Hamilton verified that he only chose on Saturday night after certifying he would decide to make a gesture that is considered as a statement of support in the fight against racism and fight for equality.
Lewis Hamilton has thanked the 13 Formula 1 drivers who decided to take a knee with him before the start of the Austrian Grand Prix.
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Resolving for the 2nd time over the weekend an incorrect news article, Hamilton added: “I really wish to remedy [something] since there is one story out there that is really incorrect.
“I let everyone say what they desired to say, and I just opened to them and said Look men, I will be doing it but you do what you feel is ideal.
The six who stayed away were Red Bulls Max Verstappen, Ferraris Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Alfa Romeo team-mates Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, and Daniil Kvyat from AlphaTauri.
With the exception of Hamilton, who were a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, the other 19 all sported tee shirts with End Racism phrasing.
Grosjean both brought it up and asked the drivers whether they would do it, and there were numerous that stated they wouldnt.
“Im truly, actually grateful to those who did kneel in addition to me. I think its still a truly powerful message.
Examining the extremely public display screen as F1 went back to racing action after a 217-day lack, Hamilton stated: “Honestly, I do not understand everyones various factors or viewpoints.
“When we did the chauffeurs instruction, Seb [Vettel] and [Romain] Grosjean both brought it up and asked the chauffeurs whether they would do it, and there were a number of that stated they wouldnt.
” I know some opinions from some of the drivers, but thats a private thing and I would not like to share it, however I believe ultimately no one should be required into a scenario where they have to kneel.”
