Sir Lewis Hamilton says ‘change is still needed’ within F1 as he reaffirms intent to fight for equality

The new Formula One season is set to begin next month

Lewis Hamilton tendrá hasta el sábado para recuperarse del coronavirus antes del Gran Premio de Abu Dhabi (AFP via Getty)

Sir Lewis Hamilton has said “inequities” continue to plague Formula One and that he will demand change for as long as he has air in his lungs.

Hamilton, who will soon be bidding for an unprecedented eighth world championship in what could be his final season in the sport, won last year’s title against the backdrop of his personal fight against racial injustices.

He persuaded his Mercedes team to paint their cars black in a defiant message against racism, and also took the knee before all of last year’s grands prix.

F1 announced earlier this month that a moment of reflection will be included before the start of every race in a display of the sport’s “united support for important issues”.

Posting to his Instagram account on Friday, Hamilton, 36, wrote: “Last year some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of.

“My question is, what’s next? The inequities within our sport and within the world persist. Change is still needed. We must keep pushing to hold ourselves and others accountable. We have to keep striving for equality for all, in order to continue to see true and lasting change in our world.

“As long as I have air in my lungs, I will continue to fight for change in everything I do.”

Last year, the British driver established the Hamilton Commission which aims to improve diversity in motorsport. His former McLaren boss, Martin Whitmarsh, is on a 14-strong board who are due to return their findings later in the year.

In his social media post, Hamilton, who remains the sport’s sole black driver, added: “I will work to create pathways and opportunities for kids of colour, within sciences, engineering and creative disciplines.

“Let’s keep pushing. What are you committed to?”

Hamilton will take the wraps off the Mercedes he hopes will fire him to a record-breaking eighth title at the team’s 2021 launch on Tuesday.

The new season starts in Bahrain on March 28.

PA