Mercedes ‘stands with’ Lewis Hamilton against racial injustice

The Mercedes Formula 1 team says it “stands with” Lewis Hamilton in his public condemnation of racial injustice.

On Sunday evening Hamilton took to social media in an emotive and passionate anti-racism message as he criticised those in his industry for remaining “silent” and not speaking out about the death in police custody of George Floyd in the US.

Floyd, an unarmed black man, died on May 25 after being restrained by white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes to pin him down. Chauvin has since been charged with murder and sacked from the police force.

Within 24 hours of Hamilton’s call, fellow F1 drivers including Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, George Russell and Alex Albon all shared messages of support to help raise awareness.

"I'm one of the only people of colour and yet I stand alone," Hamilton, who is the only black driver in F1, said on Instagram.

"I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us.”

The six-time world champion’s Mercedes team has also thrown its backing behind Hamilton.

“We stand with you, Lewis,” A Mercedes team statement read.

“Tolerance is an elementary principle of our team and we are enriched by diversity in all its forms.

“We welcome and encourage people from all races, cultures, religions, philosophies and lifestyles, and condemn every form of discrimination as we work together to drive change forward.

“We are deeply saddened by the recent developments and hope for a de-escalation soon.”

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