Lewis Hamilton wants stronger anti-racism message in F1 after some drivers wanted to stop pre-match kneeling

Joe Rivera

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Lewis Hamilton wants stronger anti-racism message in F1 after some drivers wanted to stop pre-match kneeling image

Lewis Hamilton is demanding more from the sport he dominates.

The 35-year-old Black British driver isn't satisfied with Formula 1's handling of race issues, and it's apparent why. During Sunday's Syrian Grand Prix, Hamilton once again took a knee to stand with Black lives around the world, showing support and solidarity in a time of racial and civil unrest, showing that the issues in the United States are crossing the pond.

Hamilton, the circuit's only Black driver, first took a knee prior to the competition's return last week amid the coronavirus pandemic. While Hamilton kneeled, six drivers decided to stand. Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Kimi Räikkönen, Carlos Sainz Jr. Daniil Kvyat and Antonio Giovinazzi were those who remained standing.

MORE: Formula 1 reports zero positive results from 4,500 COVID-19 tests 

Sunday showed a repeat of those actions, with drivers continuing to stand alongside a kneeling Hamilton. 

"The drivers spoke after the drivers' briefing this weekend about what we intended to do and some were asking, 'Why do we have to continue to do this?'," Hamilton said via AFP News. "Some felt like once was enough last week.

"I just had to encourage them that racism is here, going to be here and probably be here longer than our time here — and people of color, who are subject to racism, don't have time to take a moment to protest and that be it. We've really got to think, as a sport, what we can do because those are nice signs, but passion is needed."

While some drivers — such as LeClerc and Verstappen — who didn't take a knee prior to the Syrian GP explained their actions (or lack thereof), there is more than a bit of a disconnect among Hamilton and some of F1.

While Hamilton is calling for a better anti-racism focus, Sunday's broadcast of the Syrian GP — a race which Hamilton won comfortably — drew heavy criticism from viewers, when cameras cut away from the pre-match gesture and messages of anti-racism.

Formula 1 has come under scrutiny for its drivers' inconsistent approach to the matters of racial injustice and equality. Some have paralleled the English Premier League and its approach to anti-racism, with all of its players taking a knee alongside Black players, while F1 drivers have had a certain level of inconsistency showing their solidarity alongside Hamilton. The sport's drivers have all donned "Black Lives Matter" shirts, but the six-time world champion is still demanding more from his sport.

"F1 has come forward and said they are supporting ending racism and it is amazing to see Mercedes is also doing that, but no other team has done a single thing," Hamilton said. "The Red Bull mechanics have taken a knee, but if you look at Ferrari they have thousands of people working for them, but I have heard no word of Ferrari saying that they hold themselves accountable and what they are going to do in the future.

"We have to continue to push for equality and raise awareness. For me, personally, it is going to be a lifelong thing."

Hamilton said he's going to spend more time with fellow drivers who may not be on the same page as Hamilton, and he understands that not every driver will take a knee. While he hopes that every driver will "understand" taking a knee, for now, it looks like Hamilton is navigating a difficult course to get Formula 1 on the same page. 

Joe Rivera

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Joe Rivera is in his seventh year with The Sporting News, handling NFL, MLB and some things pro wrestling. A proud-ish Rutgers University graduate, Rivera combines a new-school flair with an old-school soul. He loves dingers, wrestling, comic books, movies, music and really bad puns. He is also a card-carrying BBWAA member and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater.

You can find him and tweet him @JoeRiveraSN, if you're into that sort of thing.