Lewis Hamilton “completely overcome with rage” over racism

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he is “completely overcome with rage” over racial injustice following events over the past “dark” week.

Protests and demonstrations have been sparked across the world in recent days following the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by police in the United States of America on May 25.

Hamilton, F1’s only black driver, criticised his peers earlier this week for “staying silent” and said he feels like he has “stood alone” in the world of motorsport in the fight against racial injustice.

Within 24 hours of Hamilton’s comments, nearly half of the F1 grid had posted anti-racism messages to raise awareness of the matter.

“This past week has been so dark,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

“I have failed to keep hold of my emotions. I have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief in what my eyes have seen.

“I am completely overcome with rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of our people.

“The injustice that we are seeing our brothers and sisters face all over he world time and time again is disgusting, and MUST stop.”

Numerous sporting stars and public figures have used their social media platforms to condemn racism and lend their support to the #BlackLivesMovement.

On Tuesday, another initiative called “Blackout Tuesday” was organised by stars in the music industry, and quickly spread across social media, with many users posting black squares and messages of solidarity.

“So many seem surprised, but to us unfortunately, it is not surprising,” Hamilton continued.

“Those of us who are black, brown or in-between, see it everyday and should not have to feel as though we were born guilty, don’t belong, or fear for our lives based on the colour of our skin.

“Will Smith said it best, racism is not getting worse, it’s being filmed. Only now that the world is so well equipped with cameras has this issue been able to come to light in such a big way.”

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Hamilton - who also hit out at President Donald Trump for his failure to control and lead the United States at a time of desperation - stressed it was “sad” that political powers only took action in the wake of rallies and violent protests.

“It is only when there are riots and screams for justice that the powers that be cave in and do something, but by then it is far too late and not enough has been done,” Hamilton added.

“”It took hundreds of thousands of peoples complaints and buildings to burn before officials reacted and decided to arrest Derek Chauvin for murder, and that is sad.

“Unfortunately, America is not the only place where racism lives and we continue to fail as humans when we cannot stand up for what is right.

“Please do not sit in silence, no matter the colour of your skin. Black Lives Matter.”