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Lewis Hamilton Slams F1's 'Rushed' Pre-Race Anti-Racism Ceremony

Lewis Hamilton Slams F1's 'Rushed' Pre-Race Anti-Racism Ceremony

With only eight of the 15 drivers actually showing up, Hamilton was the only one seen taking a knee in support of BLM.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Lewis Hamilton has criticised Formula One officials for their "rushed" anti-racism display before the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Under normal circumstances, drivers would line up at the grid for the pre-race national anthem - a place where Hamilton and others have previously taken a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

But in Hungary, things were different.

Instead of lining up in front of the grid, the rushed drivers were instead ushered by event organisers to the podium where only eight out of 15 competitors actually turned up.

While all the drivers were pictured wearing 'End Racism' T-shirts, it was clear that F1 officials didn't do enough to ensure Hamilton and Co were given enough time to get their message across properly.

And despite clinching gold in the wet conditions, Hamilton - the only black driver in the competition - urged the sport's governing body to be more organised in allowing its athletes to take a stand.

"Moving forward we need to speak to Formula 1," he told Sky Sports.

"They need to do a better job. It was such a rush. I was getting out of the car, running over, and quickly taking the knee.

"They need to do more, and I don't know why they only did it for the first race at the start, they've not done it since then.

"They've come out saying they're going to be fighting for diversity to end racism, but they're not giving us the platform to continue that because it's all rushed.

"I think they can give us more time. I'll probably send an email over the next couple of days, try to coordinate with them. They do want to do it, it's just I guess there was not good enough communication."

And while fingers were pointed at F1 chiefs for their unorganised pre-race proceedings, the racers themselves weren't exactly guilt free.

Of the 15 drivers competing in the Hungarian GP, only eight were seen under the podium for the national anthem - six-time world champ Hamilton the only one seen taking a knee.

"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 one's that are doing it, the understanding I think is fantastic.

"Who knows? My dream is that one day, the other drivers come round to it.

"If we get to the last race and we're kneeling down and showing that we're all united, I think that would be beautiful."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Formula One, Racism, Lewis Hamilton, blm, F1, Australia