Mercedes boss Toto Wolff claims racism does not exist in F1 despite Lewis Hamilton facing numerous racist comments in recent months.
Lewis Hamilton is F1’s first and only black driver. The Briton has struggled against racist abuse throughout his F1 career. But the 7-time World Champion has not let the colour of his skin dictate his destiny.
Lewis has fought against all odds and made himself an example rather than an exception. He has been a vocal critic of the lack of inclusivity and diversity in motorsports.
Toto Wolff and his team Mercedes have been supportive of Lewis despite the abuse he faces even in 2022. The team have taken a stand against hatred and backed their driver openly.
It’s more than language. These archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in our sport. I’ve been surrounded by these attitudes and targeted my whole life. There has been plenty of time to learn. Time has come for action.
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 28, 2022
Just a couple of months ago, former F1 champion Nelson Piquet faced backlash for using a racist term to refer to Hamilton. even former F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone took, who claimed he would “take a bullet” for Vladimir Putin, defended Piquet.
Piquet was boycotted by the F1 community. He is now facing a trial in Brazil for using the derogatory term on public television. And this shows how much racism and hate still influence modern society.
In fact, in the Austrian GP, there were reports of Red Bull and Max Verstappen fans abusing Hamilton. So it comes as a surprise when Toto Wolff himself denies the existence of Racism in the sport.
While Lewis Hamilton is trying to be vocal and root out racism, Toto has denied it altogether. And this has enraged F1’s Twitter community who have not been merciful to the Austrian’s ‘PR’ strategy.
Also Read: Nelson Piquet fined $1.8 Million by Brazilian Court for racist remarks on Lewis Hamilton
F1 Twitter reacts to Toto Wolff’s comments
Toto Wolff has been facing the fury of F1’s Twitter. He recently gave an interview where the Austrian was asked about the effects of racism in F1.
This came after F1 champion Nelson Piquet used a racist slur while discussing Lewis Hamilton on Brazil’s national television. Piquet faced widespread condemnation for his actions
Hamilton even said there must be more change to these “archaic mindsets” present in the sport. But, Toto seems to have forgotten the incident. Wolff says, the perpetrators of hate in F1 get duly punished and that’s it.
Toto said, “One is 80 or whatever it is and the other one is 105” referring to Piquet who is 69 and Bernie Ecclestone, 91. But the heat faced by the two has made “people are going to think twice” before using such derogatory terms.
And he adds, “I don’t see any racism in the current state of Formula 1. I could call some of my colleagues many names, but not racist.” He said Hamilton can address these situations directly by saying, “He can put the finger where it hurt,”
And this statement has tested the fury of F1’s Twitter community who have called out his ‘PR’ gimmick.
“I don’t see any racism in the current state of Formula 1” – Toto Wolff, a white man, and the team principal of the F1 team that is home to the only black driver in the sport which has, mind you, come forward talking about and fighting the racism there is in the sport. 😁
— deni (@fiagirly) August 16, 2022
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK???!!!!!!? Nah he can fuck off with this bs https://t.co/wWckiNqY6v
— lia 🧸 (@sportyrambles) August 17, 2022
Man I sometimes love defending Toto Wolff as he gets some unessecary hate but sometimes he has faults and I’m afraid to say this is one of his faults, I know he was interviewed but it sometimes better to keep your mouth close 😬😬
Big Mistake Toto 😔😔
Big Big Mistake 😬😬 https://t.co/2praR5WrJa
— James Kurt 🕹🎮🇬🇧🇳🇬#LH103#44 #BlackLivesMatter (@JamesKurt_44) August 16, 2022
Toto Wolff claims there is no racism literally DAYS after HIS driver was racially abused… how can you possibly be this out of touch https://t.co/z3bfiEcCaL pic.twitter.com/4FUSsBqefj
— 🦕 (@lecasteIIet) August 16, 2022
The fact that Toto Wolff denied the mere existence of racism, never mind its prevalence, in Formula 1 THREE DAYS after it came out that Nelson Piquet called Lewis the n word is astounding. Who gave Toto the right to determine whether or not racism exists in F1?
— nia⁵ | STOFFEL WDC & #DankeSeb (@andwegogreen) August 16, 2022
Also Read: Max Verstappen condemns fans burning Lewis Hamilton merchandise during Hungarian GP