Lewis Hamilton receives praise from Jean Todt for his anti-racism stance

Lewis Hamilton receives praise from Jean Todt for his loud support for BLM movement; the latter said “All Lives Matter” a few days ago.

Lewis Hamilton receives praise from FIA chief Jean Todt for his staunch anti-racism stance, which was projected by him after the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Jean Todt told AFP in an interview that he had a long video call this week with Hamilton, who has issued a stinging criticism of F1’s organisers, saying the sport is “lacking leadership” on anti-racism efforts.

“I have a lot of esteem for anyone who has a calling, an engagement,” Todt said, referring to Hamilton. The former Ferrari boss claimed that FIA has been “engaged for a long time (to ensure) diversity, gender equality”

Also pointed out the pledge the governing body took to give over $1 million to the sport’s new ‘We Race As One’ diversity foundation.

“There are those who may want to take a knee, (and) there are those who may have the same beliefs but not wish to express them in the same way,” he pointed out.

“That is freedom, that is a democracy, (and) we must ensure that (those principles) are respected.” he further said.

For Lewis Hamilton, it’s not enough

Before the start of Hungarian Grand Prix, another hurried pre-race anti-racism protest in Budapest on Sunday, many took a knee along with the British driver, while some stood denying to do it, on the other hand, some were late to arrive.

End Racism.

One cause. One commitment.

As individuals, we choose our own way to support the cause. As a group of drivers and a wider F1 family, we are united in its goal.#WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/qjxYi1zWcJ

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 5, 2020

Post it, hamilton said to media that Formula 1 is not doing enough to fight against racism and said that he would write to Todt and Carey.

Comes after “All Lives Matter”

Todt sparked controversy on Tuesday when he said “All Lives Matter” in response to Hamilton’s initiative. It is a phrase which has been seen as the belittling of the whole movement against racism, gaslighting the discrimination faced by blacks.

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

Read More