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Hamilton has had one-on-one conversations with drivers who don't want to kneel

08:35, 13 Jul 2020

byMatt

Prior to the Styrian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 drivers knelt for the second consecutive week to show their support in the fight against racism. Most of the drivers knelt with some left standing for their own personal reasons. Lewis Hamilton says he will continue to talk with those who remain standing.

In the drivers briefing, prior to the race weekend, the moments before the race were discussed. Some drivers thought the one-off gesture during the Austrian GP was enough, but Hamilton wants the battle to continue.

"It seems that people of colour, for a long time, hundreds of years, their lives seem to be less important. So it's just trying to get through to people because some people put a wall up, a barrier up," Hamilton tells the BBC his reasons for kneeling again.

Hamilton is approaching colleagues

He believes that the younger F1 drivers will play an important role in this for the future because their reach is so great and he will not be active in the sport forever. Some drivers who knelt last week initially didn't want to do that a second time and others stood again. He has had a conversation with them.

"There are those who said they felt the Black Lives Matter movement seemed political and I've made it clear I am not supporting the political side of things; it's the human rights side," Hamilton added.

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3 Comments

Dave Cann 13 July 2020 at 23:14+ 7

In my opinion he bullied the drivers and teams into supporting his stance right from the get go. His initial statement during lockdown was typical Hamilton with that chip on his shoulder! I am not racist in any way shape or form , however( I am sorry to Hamilton fans for the following), since he has come into the sport he has been arrogant, distant from the fans he claims to adore ( eg not appearing in London's meet the drivers with EVERY OTHER DRIVER because he wanted to be with his friends, this action shunned the fans), he has whinged and whined his way throughout his F1 journey is rude to his engineer and constantly shuns the F1 fans. This being said I do respect him for what he has achieved.....he is one hell of a driver, but in my humble opinion a poor ambassador for formulas and a not very nice person
. I agree he should have taken the knee if he was serious about this movement on the podium.
He should also respect ( and the media should too) the individual rights of the F1 drivers not to take a knee if they don't want to ( Kyvat being a prime example and has given valid reasoning). The fact they support the cause is enough.
And yes this has now become a political cause which ( again in my humble opinion) sports personalities should not become embroiled in political issues because they feel bullied into doing so. We live in a democracy where we have freedom of speech and action. I applaud the F1 fraternity for its support upon its return but some drivers are obviously uncomfortable in kneeling to show support.......why are the press and Hamilton not pressurising EVERY member of the teams to take a knee ? Why are they forcing drivers to do it? How many of the press at the last 2 GP have taken a knee?
Democracy is freedom of choice so let the guys choose without having to face the onslaught of the press and the bullying by the guy with the biggest chip on his shoulder.
Please note that I don't hide behind a made up name my comments are not meant to be inflammatory but are purely my take on things.
If this is such an important issue to Hamilton where was his stance, comments and fighting BEFORE the tragic circumstance that have led to all this???????
I repeat that I am not racist and believe in equality for all regardless of gender, race or religion!