Former Formula One boss Ecclestone is convinced that black people are in many cases more racist than white people. That leaves Lewis Hamilton, the only black pilot in the racing series, speechless.
World champion Lewis Hamilton has criticized former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone’s statements about racism as “ignorant and uneducated”. “If someone who has been involved in sport for decades knows so little about the profound problems that black people have to deal with every day, how can we expect understanding from the people who work under them,” wrote the 35-year-old Briton on Instagram.
With a green face mask and shield: Lewis Hamilton supports a Black Lives Matter protest in London on June 21.
(Foto: imago images/ZUMA Press)
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Ecclestone previously said in a CNN interview that in many cases black people are more racist than white people. “Damn it, I don’t even know where to start,” Hamilton initiated his reaction. The 89-year-old Ecclestone is no longer part of Formula 1 and from another generation, but his comments would show what went wrong. “It now makes sense to me why nothing has been said or done to make our sport more diverse or to counter the racist attacks I’ve faced throughout my career,” wrote Hamilton.
“The time of change has come”
Formula 1 had previously distanced itself sharply from Ecclestone. “At a time when unity is required to attack racism and inequality, we don’t agree with what Bernie Ecclestone said,” said a statement.
Ecclestone no longer played a role in Formula 1. In the interview, the long-time managing director of the racing series had praised the use of Hamilton against racism, but denied discrimination against black people in Formula 1.
Hamilton, however, affirmed: “The time for change has come.” The Mercedes driver has repeatedly publicly supported the “Black Lives Matter” movement in recent weeks. He also accused Formula 1 of being a “white dominated” sport and founded a commission to pave the way for more black people into Formula 1.
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