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Mercedes boss supports Lewis Hamilton in speaking out against racism

The boss of the Mercedes Formula One team has given his support to Lewis Hamilton after the drive...



Mercedes boss supports Lewis H...
Other Sports

Mercedes boss supports Lewis Hamilton in speaking out against racism

The boss of the Mercedes Formula One team has given his support to Lewis Hamilton after the driver spoke out against racism and discrimination.

48-year-old Austrian, Toto Wolff, admits that he has also been educated by Hamilton which has made him think again about the issues of racism and discrimination.

Wolff [main pic w/Hamilton] praised Hamilton for using his platform as the top star in a sport that does not employ many people of colour.

"I think it's good that Lewis, as a sports superstar, is the one up front in a sport that is very much dominated by white males," said Wolff on Sky Sports.

"All of us can make a difference. Every single one of us must be part of a movement to stop these kind of things."

Hamilton posted on social media in the wake of the death of black US citizen George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer, expressing his "rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of other people".

Wolff admits that he has been forced to question his own position in society, after he was challenged by the six-time world drivers' champion.

"We know that Lewis is always a strong supporter of any minorities. To be honest, I have learned a lot from him as well," added Wolff.

"He has asked me the question once, 'Have you ever had the active thought that you are white?'

"And I said, 'No, I've never actually thought about it.

"He said, 'Well I have to think about it every day because I am always being made aware that I am [black].'

"Therefore it is very difficult for [white people] to comprehend how difficult it is and therefore I am happy and supportive that he has come out vocally.

"He is one of the ambassadors of this sport and I think it's good."

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F1 Formula One Lewis Hamilton Mercedes F1 Toto Wolff