Hamilton takes aim at F1 and Grosjean after ‘rushed’ racism stand

Lewis Hamilton has reiterated that Formula 1 must do more to ensure it continues its push for equality following a “rushed” stand against racism prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix.

F1’s ‘end-racism’ push continued ahead of Sunday’s race at the Hungaroring with the drivers assembling in the pit lane to carry out their latest gesture.

But the gesture looked messy due to number of drivers failing to make it on time for the start of the ceremony before the national anthem started.

Hamilton and a number of drivers including Sebastian Vettel did take a knee but the lack of coordination irked the six-times world champion, who has championed F1’s push for equality.

The Briton, who dominated en route to claiming an eighth victory in Hungary, criticised both F1 and Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Romain Grosjean.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Hamilton said Grosjean “doesn’t think it’s important to do - he’s one of them that thinks it was done once and that’s all we need to do.”

"I tried to speak to him about what the problem is and it’s not going away and we have to continue to fight for equality,” Hamilton explained.

“I think this time he didn’t mention anything in the drivers’ briefing and neither did Sebastian [Vettel]. Sebastian and I messaged each other and he stressed as did I the importance that we continue to do it.

“I think moving forwards we need to speak to Formula 1, they’ve got to do a better job,” he added.

“It was such a rush: Us getting out of the car, running over, quickly doing the knee… they need to do more.

“I don’t know why they’ve only done it for the first race, they did the start, they’ve not done it since then. They’ve come out saying they’re going to be fighting for diversity and end racism but they’re not giving us the platform to continue to do that. It’s all rushed.

"I think they can give us more time, so I’ll probably send an email over the next couple of days, and try and co-ordinate with them because they want to do it, I guess there’s not good enough communication.”

Hamilton admitted there is little more he can do to convince drivers to change their standpoint on taking a knee, but hopes the entire grid will do so at some point in the future.

“With the other drivers, there’s not a lot I can do,” Hamilton said. "I gave a lot of energy in Austria to try and convince a couple of the drivers, and it’s a battle.

“But I think what’s important is the ones that are doing it, the understanding is fantastic.

“My dream is that one day the other drivers come around to it and if we get to the last race and we’re all kneeling down and showing that we are united, I think that would be beautiful.”