Mercedes, F1 and FIA condemn racist abuse aimed at Hamilton
Hamilton won at Silverstone for the eighth time after staging a remarkable fightback from a 10-second penalty following a controversial collision with main rival Max Verstappen on the opening lap of Sunday’s British GP.
F1 2021’s title protagonists came to blows at Copse corner as they battled hard for the lead of the race on the first lap.
Hamilton tagged Verstappen’s car as he attempted a dive for the lead, sending the Red Bull driver hurtling into the barriers. Verstappen was released from hospital on Sunday evening having escaped injury in the huge 51G impact.
In the hours following the race, Hamilton was the target of a torrent of racist abuse across both his and Mercedes’ social media challenge.
On Monday morning, Mercedes, along with F1 and the FIA, issued a joint statement condemning the abuse.
“During, and after, yesterday’s British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to multiple instances of racist abuse on social media following an in-race collision,” the statement read.
“Formula 1, The FIA and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
“Formula 1, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.”
Hamilton’s fourth victory of the 2021 season has seen him reduce Verstappen’s championship lead down to eight points after 10 races.
— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) July 19, 2021
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