World champion Lewis Hamilton criticised the “biggest of stars” in “white-dominated” Formula One for failing to speak out against racism as protests erupted around the United States.
The Mercedes driver
warned “I know who you are and I see you” as he accused his fellow drivers of “staying
silent” following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, during his
arrest in Minneapolis.
The videotaped
incident has triggered unrest in several cities and led to an outpouring of
condemnation from top athletes including Michael Jordan and Serena Williams.
“I see those of you
who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in
the midst of injustice,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.
“Not a sign from
anybody in my industry which of course is a white-dominated sport. I’m one of
the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.
“I would have
thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but
you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are and I see you.”
Hamilton, the
six-time world champion, said he supported only peaceful protesters, not those
who have looted stores and set fire to buildings.
But he added: “There
can be no peace until our so-called leaders make change. This is not just
America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over.
“The way minorities
are treated has to change, how you educate those in your country of equality,
racism, classism and that we are all the same!
“We are not born
with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”
Basketball legend
Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA, NFL and other US sports
demanding change for black Americans, but the calls weren’t limited to the
United States.
French footballer
Marcus Thuram and England international Jadon Sancho both called for justice
for Floyd after scoring in Germany’s Bundesliga.
