Lewis Hamilton hits out at Formula One stars for 'staying silent' after George Floyd death

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Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has criticised the lack of response from those within his sport to the death of George Floyd.

Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed whilst being detained by police in Minneapolis earlier this week, with video footage showing a white officer – who has since been charged with murder – kneeling on his neck as he struggled for breath.

The incident has sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality across the United States and beyond, with demonstrators gathering in London’s Trafalgar Square and outside the US Embassy on Sunday.

Hamilton, who is Formula One’s only black driver, wrote on his Instagram story: “I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice. Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white-dominated sport.”

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“I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone. I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are, and I see you.”

Hamilton also said he did not support those who had turned protests violent by looting and burning buildings, and warned the issue is not confined to the US.

“There can be no peace until our so called leaders make change,” he added. “This is not just America, this is the UK, this is Spain, this is Italy and all over."

“The way minorities are treated has to change, [and] how you educate those in your country of equality, racism, classism and that we are all the same. We are not born with racism and hate in our hearts, it is taught by those we look up to.”

In Pictures | Bundesliga stars join protests against racism

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There is currently little live sport taking place around the world because of the coronavirus shutdown, but Bundesliga stars Jadon Sancho and Marcus Thuram both made statements of support for Floyd during Sunday’s behind-closed-doors matches in Germany.

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