‘Disappointed’ Hamilton responds to Andretti, Stewart comments
Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media to express his ‘disappointment’ with comments made by Mario Andretti after he was branded a ‘militant’ by the 1978 F1 World Champion.
He also called out Sir Jackie Stewart for suggesting there isn’t a ‘big problem’ with diversity in F1 amid a concerted drive by the sport to strive for equality with its We Race As One campaign.
Hamilton has been a vocal and high-profile campaigner in the fight against racism having been inspired by the global Black Lives Matter movements which ignited in the wake of George Floyd’s death in May at the hands of police officers.
Since then F1 has strived to play its part in increasing diversity across the sport with its We Race As One initiative, while Hamilton – who has taken a knee ahead of each race and performed the Black Power salute after his Styrian GP win - says he is creating his own commission to encourage positive change in the wider sport.
The action has drawn comment from across the motorsport world with US racing legend Andretti questioning Hamilton’s actions and asking why he has become ‘militant’.
"I have a lot of respect for Lewis, but why become a militant? He's always been accepted and he's earned everyone's respect,” Andretti told the El Mercurio newspaper in Chile. “I think the whole point of this is pretentious. I feel that way. And it's creating a problem that doesn't exist."
Referring to Mercedes’ move to switch from a silver to a black livery, Andretti went on to say: “Painting the car black, I don’t know what good it will do.”
Hamilton duly responded in a quote on his Instagram Stories, saying: “This is disappointing but unfortunately a reality that some of the older generation who still have a voice today cannot get out of their own way and acknowledge there is a problem. Again, this is plain ignorance but that will not stop me from continuing to push for change. It is never too late to learn and I hope that this man who I’ve always had respect for can take the time to educate himself.”
Sir Stewart, speaking on Good Morning Britain, is praiseworthy of Hamilton using his influence for good but speculates as to whether there is a ‘big problem’, saying: “I think Lewis has been a great example to lots of people. He’s quite vocal about these elements, I don’t think there’s a big problem as there might seem. There is no resistance for change if someone is clever and good at what they do. They will be accepted in F1.”
As such, Hamilton also called him out simply stating: “Again, another one. Just disappointing.”
Victories in the Styrian GP and Hungarian GP have seen Hamilton assume the 2020 F1 Championship lead by five points over Valtteri Bottas.
