RACISM – Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Saturday, June 27, “sad and disappointed” about the words of Bernie Ecclestone, ex-boss of Formula 1, who had estimated on CNN that “black people were sometimes more racist than white women “.
“I am so sad and disappointed to read these comments,” wrote the British driver for Mercedes in an Instagram story. “Bernie is out of another generation’s sport, but that’s exactly what’s wrong.” Lewis Hamilton called the comments of Ecclestone, who ruled Formula 1 for 30 years, “ignorant and uneducated”.
“They show us how far we will have to go, as a society, before real equality is possible,” continued the 35-year-old pilot, who is very involved in social networks in the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
“I fully understand now that nothing has been said or done to make our sport more diverse or to combat the racist attacks I have suffered in my career,” he added.
I went to Hyde Park today for the peaceful protest and I was so proud to see so many people of all races and all walks of life supporting this movement. It was really moving. I am extremely optimistic that change will come, but we cannot stop now. “
Lewis Hamilton is partly from Grenada, a small island in the West Indies that his paternal grandfather left to settle in England. He is currently the only black driver in Formula 1.
“Now is the time for change. I will not stop pushing to create an inclusive future in our sport, with the same opportunities for everyone (…) I will continue to use my voice to give the say to those who do not have it, “assured the Briton.
Formula One “in complete disagreement”
The company that organizes the F1 World Championship, Formula 1, had denounced on Friday the words of his ex-boss. “At a time when unity is necessary against racism and inequality, we completely disagree with what Bernie Ecclestone said, which has no place in Formula 1 or in society,” wrote Formula. 1 in a press release, recalling that the Briton no longer had a role in Formula 1 since 2017.
Now far from the paddocks, Bernie Ecclestone founded in 1987 the company Formula One Management, responsible for the promotion and dissemination of Formula 1 throughout the world. He managed this company until 2017, the year of its acquisition by Liberty Media Group.
Ecclestone was questioned a few days ago by CNN about the creation by Lewis Hamilton of a diversity commission to attract more blacks in motorsport. “I don’t think it does anything good or bad in Formula 1,” said the 89-year-old Briton.
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