This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On Sunday, July 12, 2020, Lewis Hamilton won the Styrian Grand Prix, but his victory was overshadowed by concerns about the sport's anti-racism efforts.
Hamilton, a six-time world champion, expressed his disappointment that not all drivers were committed to the cause, saying that some felt that one gesture was enough.
‘The drivers spoke after the drivers’ briefing this weekend about what we intended to do and some were asking “Why do we have to continue to do this?”,” he said.
Hamilton emphasized that racism is a persistent issue and that people of color do not have the luxury of taking a moment to protest and then moving on.
He encouraged his fellow drivers to think about what they can do to support the anti-racism movement, saying that nice signs are not enough and that passion is needed.
Despite his efforts, not all drivers were in agreement, with at least four remaining standing while others took a knee before Sunday’s race.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team took a knee in the pit-lane and on the grid behind the drivers, but the gesture was not universally supported.
Hamilton expressed his disappointment that other teams, such as Ferrari, had not taken a more active role in supporting the anti-racism movement.
He emphasized that he was supporting the human rights side of the Black Lives Matter campaign, not the political activity.
Hamilton also made clear that he had spent time explaining the issues to other drivers individually, saying that he had tried to have a chat with those who had chosen to stand.
He expressed his hope that over time, the drivers would come closer together and that at some stage, they would all be united in their support for the anti-racism movement.
