Lewis Hamilton expresses concerns over 'lack of awareness' about racism among drivers

Six-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been an advocate of BLM campaign, stated that re is a lack of understanding of racism in Formula One after multiple drivers showed reluctance to take a knee in support of Balck Lives Matter movement triggered by death of George Floyd in May. Hamilton has been fighting to eliminate racism from sport and society for over years w and has egged on his fellow drivers to do same. 

READ: Lewis Hamilton Attends 'Black Lives Matter' Protests In London, Impressed With Turut

Hamilton talks about drivers' lack of awareness 

After drivers' meeting before start of shortened Formula One season, he said, "I described scenario that silence is really generally complicit. re is some silence in some cases. But I think it is part of a dialogue of people trying to understand, because re are still some people who don't fully understand what is happening and what is reason for se protests and I continue to try to be that guide and try to influence as many people as I can with it."

Formula One and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), on Saturday, anunced that all 20 drivers will be taking a knee to show support for movement. "All 20 drivers stand united with ir teams against racism and prejudice, at same time embracing principles of diversity, equality and inclusion and supporting F1's commitment to se," it said.

READ: F1 Star Hamilton To Set Up Commission To Increase Diversity

Formula One has repeatedly been accused of being a sport that lacks diversity and does t support ones from different backgrounds. Hamilton, defending world champion has used his stature to promote diversity and has, on multiple occasions, mentioned how he faced discrimination during his formative years. 

READ: FIA Approves New Set Of Rules For Formula One; Budget Cap And New Sliding Scale Included

Last month, Hamilton lashed out at former Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone for his insensitive and racist remarks during an interview. Ecclestone said that sometimes black people are more racist than white and that it was stupid taking down all statues. Hamilton was extremely critical of former chief of sport and in a statement via his Instagram account, wrote, "So sad and disappointing to read se comments. Bernie is out of sport and a different generation but this is exactly what is wrong - igrant and uneducated comments which will show us how far we as a society need to go before real equality can happen."

Formula One's first race will finally take place on July 5 after a three-month delay due to outbreak of coronavirus.

READ: F1 Condemns Ecclestone's Comments On Racism, Says His Remarks Have ' Place In Society'