Bahrain Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton says racism remains ‘all around the world’ after England players abused

Hamilton remains the only black driver in Formula One history and fears that racism around the world will not change ‘for a long time’

Lewis Hamilton has said that racism remains a serious issue “all around the world” after speaking in solidarity with England footballers Danny Rose and Raheem Sterling, who were racially abused during last Monday’s victory over Montenegro.

European football’s governing body Uefa are investigating complaints made by the English Football Association after both Rose and Sterling spoke out against racial abuse that they suffered during the 5-1 victory in Podgorica. Both players said that the sections of the Montenegro support targeted them with monkey chants, which appeared to be heard on live television footage as well as other in attendance inside the stadium.

Hamilton offered his support to the England internationals as well as others that have been the victim of racial abuse, and as the first and only black driver to compete in F1 so far, he admitted that it remains a problem in civilisation around the world.

"It's crazy to think that at this time in the world it's still very, very prominent,” Hamilton said ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"It's really there, all around the world. Racism is still an issue, which is sad to see. It doesn't seem like it's going to be migrating much over the next years.

"It's great to see people standing by in support.

"But it doesn't look like it's something that's going to particularly change for a long time."

Hamilton was initially reluctant to discuss being the first black driver in F1, but changed his approach a few years ago to try and embrace that fact and use it to try and promote equality within the sport. As a five-time world champion, Hamilton has become one of the best-known sports athletes in the world, with more than 10m followers on Instagram and a personality that goes far beyond the sport.

Hamilton believes racism remains a serious problem 'all around the world' (Getty)

That has given him a new platform to try and push that message of equality, and while he has been previously criticised for his social media use – which has in the past landed him in hot water – Hamilton added that there are things he is able to put on his social media accounts to create the type of conversations that can address such issues.

"I'm obviously in a privileged position, that I do happen to have quite a lot of power, particularly with social media," he said. "There are things that I see all the time, there's a lot of stuff that I don't post that I want to post.

"You have to keep a balance because I have older followers, young followers, and choosing what you do show and don't show.

Hamilton spoke in support of racially abused England footballers Rose and Sterling (Getty)

"There are so many issues around the world still today.

"There are some things that I'm able to put on social media that people can react to and create conversation."