The British Grand Prix will therefore have left its mark.
On the track first, with the desperate braking in the gravel of Max Verstappen, out after only two laps following the spectacular collision with Lewis Hamilton.
In the standings then, since the latter, winner in the snatch, returned to seven lengths of his rival for the title.
On social networks, finally, where racist insults, in particular monkey emojis, have fired against the seven-time world champion, during and after the event.
Words condemned this Monday by Mercedes, the Hamilton team, the International Federation (FIA), and the authorities of F1.
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- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@ MercedesAMGF1) July 19, 2021
Returning to Charles Leclerc and his Ferrari with two laps to go, Hamilton scored his 8th success at Silverstone. His legitimate joy in front of his home crowd went very badly with some, despite the ten-second penalty decided against him following the crash in the first round. Verstappen, who lost more than one race on Sunday, did not like the behavior of the Mercedes driver very much, even speaking of "disrespectful and unsportsmanlike behavior".
This Monday, Red Bull Racing Honda, the team of the young Dutch driver, nevertheless wanted to react to denounce the insults: “As a team, we are disgusted and saddened to witness the racist abuse that Lewis has endured on social networks after the collision with Max.
There is never an excuse for this (racism) in our sport and those responsible must be held accountable.
"
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- Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) July 19, 2021
Racism against athletes is unfortunately topical. A week ago, several players of color from the England football team - Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho - were the target of racist slurs on social media after missing their shot on goal in the final of the Euro against Italy (1-1, 3-2 at tabs). Acts which prompted the British police to open an investigation.
