"I have often suffered manifestations of racism, criticism or negativity. And often also subtle discrimination. But I look at the overall picture and I don't understand why we continue to give space to those who no longer represent F1."
Thus the Mercedes champion Lewis Hamilton, in the press conference at Silverstone, returned to the comment of the former world champion Nelson Piquet, who, analyzing the contact between him and Max Verstappen in the last edition of the British GP, had defined it ' negrito '.
Yesterday Piquet himself apologized, but without avoiding criticism from Formula 1, the FIA and many drivers.
"I am grateful to all those in Formula 1 who have shown me their support - added Hamilton -. The challenges we face are still many. An F1 that looks to South Africa, for example. And we must give young people a different platform. . And it's not just a one-person affair. The reaction was instinctive and prompt, but we really need to start taking action. You shouldn't give these people space. "
"We are all equal, we must unite people - continued Hamilton -. I'm here, still strong, focused on my work. And I push for diversity and inclusion in this sport, to sign a document that shows a concrete commitment. I hope that a first step has been taken. But I need everyone's help. "
