Lewis Hamilton reveals he was warned of 'consequences' for supporting Kaepernick in 2017

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton claimed a threat of "potential consequences" stopped him from wearing a Colin Kaepernick tribute helmet in 2017. San Francisco 49ers quarterback's protest against racial injustice was at its height in 2017 after he began kneeling during national anm before NFL games. quarterback left 49ers that year and has been without an NFL team ever since.

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Lewis Hamilton regrets t supporting Colin Kaepernick's protest in 2017

A number of athletes supported Colin Kaepernick's stance of protest during national anm. While speaking to ESPN, Lewis Hamilton revealed his team h planned a similar tribute to quarterback's protest. However, he was forced to backtrack on his planned tribute after he was vised it might t be fruitful to do so.

While British racer did t get into details of apparent threat or identity of person, he said: "I was vised from outside, from someone in States who was really quite high up, that it wasn’t time for me to be doing so. re were potential consequences for me doing it. So that’s why y vised me t to do it. I don’t remember who else was involved. It’s t particularly important. I do still have that helmet that I’ve done for Colin (Kaepernick). And I did speak to Colin about it, who was super supportive."

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During opening day of new season at Austrian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was one of 14 racers to take a knee ahe of race. Lewis Hamilton also sported a 'Black Lives Matter' t-shirt as he and  or racers showed solidarity for ongoing anti-racism movement. Hamilton will be wearing a Black Lives Matter tribute helmet for course of season. During interview, 35-year-old said he was grateful for being able to partake in F1's unified front to end racism. Hamilton said he was gl that Colin Kaepernick's movement is today supported by athletes and celebrities from all across world. 

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F1 season: Hamilton's quest for greatness

Hamilton finished fifth at Austrian Grand Prix on July 5, 2020. This past weekend, he got back to his usual groove tching a first-place finish at Steiermark Grand Prix. Hamilton will equal F1 legend Michael Schumacher's record of seven championships if he mans to win championship this season. 

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(Im Credits: Lewis Hamilton Instagram Handle, AP)