Lewis Hamilton has told his Formula One rivals that "silence is complicit" in racism after it emerged drivers are divided over whether to take a knee before Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.
The six-time F1 champion, the sport's only black driver, has been a vocal campaigner against racial injustice in recent weeks following the death of George Floyd in police custody in the US.
The topic of taking a knee – a sign of support for the Black Lives Matter movement – was discussed during a virtual meeting of all 20 F1 drivers on Friday night, but they failed to reach a unanimous conclusion.
It is expected that a number of drivers are ready to adopt the gesture for the season-opening race.
However, it is thought at least a quarter of the grid are uneasy about doing it due to the political outlook of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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There is also said to be a feeling of disappointment among some drivers that Hamilton called out those who had chosen not to post an anti-racism message on social media.
"I know who you are and I see you," Hamilton wrote last month.
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Speaking on the eve of Sunday's race, the British driver said: "We spoke a bit in the drivers' briefing, yep, interesting.
"I don't know what we will see… Potentially, people will pay their respects in their own way.
"I just described that silence is complicit and there is still silence in some cases.
"So, I thanked those that have said something on their social media platforms – because they have a great voice – and encouraged the others that have not, to say something."
Great job by the team today and this man here. Look at the back of his helmet, this is a sign showing all hands together no matter your colour which I really respect. Lets hope for a great race tomorrow
#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/rgPfU5Tprr
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 4, 2020
However Hamilton, 35, refused to confirm if he would take a knee, saying: "I don't have any plans at the mRead More – Source
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