Hamilton assures that he is not distracted by fighting against racism

Since the death of George Floyd in the United States at the end of May and the emergence of global protests to combat police violence and racial inequalities, Lewis Hamilton is more than ever in the spotlight. 

His active activism created some stir in Austria and embarrassment among his peers last week when the pilot Mercedes confided that “ remaining silent on the issue of racism was tantamount to being complicit ». 

If all the drivers were ready to show their unity and defend this noble cause on the starting grid, some were not comfortable with the idea of ​​kneeling. They felt that the message was too political in scope and could be perceived controversially in certain countries, including their own. 

In the end, 14 of the 20 2020 starters chose to kneel down but all wore a “ End racism ». 

On the track, Hamilton was beaten by his teammate Valtteri Bottas in qualifying before being penalized by 3 places on the grid then held responsible for a collision with Alexander albon (Red Bull) at the end of the race, which caused him to slip out of the Top 3.

Has the six-time world champion spread himself too thin in the non-sporting field?

« I don't feel like I have to re-focus, swept aside Hamilton ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix. If you watched the race, you will have noticed that my performance was rather solid. Obviously, we want to do a better job this weekend but I wouldn't say that I spread myself too thin. I continue to be fully focused, as I always have been. I am committed not only to winning this championship but also to defending equal rights ». 

Hamilton clarified that he did not yet know whether he would kneel on the grid again this Sunday. Last week, the FIA ​​planned a specific slot in the protocol ceremony for drivers to express their opinion before the Austrian anthem.