–
World champion Lewis Hamilton is annoyed by the statements of ex-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. © APA / afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC
World champion Lewis Hamilton has criticized former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone’s statements about racism as “ignorant and uneducated”.
27. June 2020
“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 in his story on Instagram. Ecclestone previously said in a CNN interview that in many cases black people are more racist than white people.
“Damn, 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 perfect sense to me why nothing has been said or done to make our sport more diverse or to counter the racist attacks I’ve been exposed to throughout my career,” wrote Hamilton.
Formula 1 had previously distanced itself sharply from Ecclestone. “At a time when unity is required to attack racism and inequality, we disagree with what Bernie Ecclestone said,” said a statement. Ecclestone no longer plays 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 of change has now come.” In the past few weeks, the Mercedes driver has repeatedly publicly supported the “Black Lives Matter” movement. 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.
The Formula 1 season begins on July 5 in Spielberg (AUT).
Author: dpa
–
recommendations
–
