Hamilton hits out at Ferrari over racial politics. Hamilton hits out at Ferrari over racial politics.

Toto Wolff insists “everyone’s perspective” must be respected amid a spate of racial politics in Formula 1.

As he pushes the Black Lives Matter agenda, Mercedes’ six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on Sunday scolded Ferrari for staying silent.

“Formula One has come forward and said they are supporting ending racism, and it is amazing to see Mercedes are also doing that, but no other team has done a single thing,” said Hamilton – “Red Bull mechanics have taken a knee, but if you look at Ferrari they have thousands of people working for them, but I have heard no word of Ferrari saying that they hold themselves accountable, and what they are going to do in the future. We have to continue to push for equality and raise awareness. For me personally, it is going to be a lifelong thing. We spoke about taking a knee in the drivers’ briefing and what we intended to do. Some were asking how long we have to continue to do this. Some felt like doing it once last week was enough. I just had to encourage them and say that racism is going to be around for longer than our time here. People of colour who are subjected to racism don’t have time to take a moment to protest once and then for that to be it.”

For the second consecutive Sunday, some F1 drivers chose to join Hamilton in kneeling on the grid, whilst others remained standing.

But Sunday’s showing was particularly shambolic, with Kevin Magnussen not even there at all and others counting up to four missing drivers in photographs. Alfa Romeo even felt moved to issue a statement to explain why neither Antonio Giovinazzi or Kimi Raikkonen joined Hamilton in kneeling.

“Kimi and Antonio … will be free to further express their support of this cause in whatever way they feel comfortable, according to their culture and beliefs,” the team said.

Hamilton revealed that some drivers had even asked in the drivers’ briefing in Austria if the kneeling needed to continue at all.

“Some people were asking ‘How long do we have to continue to do this?’” he said – “A lot of work needs to go on with Formula 1, the FIA need to be a part of it and I think the drivers need to be a part of it also as we have great voices and platforms,” added Hamilton.

Hamilton’s team boss Toto Wolff said: “I think we must not judge anyone in this situation: “None of the drivers are racist – not even those who choose to stand. We need to respect everyone’s perspective.” – he concluded.