Lewis Hamilton was labelled ‘a militant’ by former Formula 1 champion Mario Andretti for “creating a problem that doesn’t exist”, the 80-year-old of the opinion that discrimination does not exist in motorsport.
Hamilton has been vocal in his support of the ant-racism campaign ‘Black Lives Matter’, and has taken
Referring directly of Hamilton, he added: “I have a lot of respect for Lewis, but why become a militant? He’s always been accepted and he’s earned everyone’s respect.
“I think the whole point of this is pretentious. I feel that way. And it’s creating a problem that doesn’t exist.”
“Yes, they are a minority, but it’s not that they’re not welcome.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but there have already been black drivers in Indy, NASCAR and they have always been welcome, I’m even friends with some of them to this day.
“I don’t know what’s wrong. Yes, maybe there is little diversity, but it’s not because they are discriminated against. That’s the point.”
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, has also recently called into question whether there truely is a lack of diversity in motorsport, and Hamilton has once again conveyed his disappointment at the lack of understanding from ‘the older generation’.
Hamilton wrote: “This is disappointing but unfortunately a reality that some of the older generation who still have a voice today cannot get out of their own way and acknowledge there is a problem.
“Again, this is plain ignorance but that will not stop me from continuing to push for change. It is never too late to learn and I hope that this man who I’ve always had respect for can take the time to educate himself.”
Source: gpfans.com