Lewis Hamilton has slammed Sir Jackie Stewart and Formula One legend Mario Andretti and labelled them ‘ignorant’ over their lack of support for his anti-racism campaign.
The six-time world champion has been the most vocal figure in F1 since the season finally kicked off this month – and he is pushing for more to be done to promote diversity in the sport.
The Brit played a key part in launching the Race As One campaign, which has led to some unity between drivers during the opening three races.
Lewis Hamilton has slammed Sir Jackie Stewart and Formula One legend Mario Andretti
Andretti suggested that world champion Hamilton had become ‘militant’ in his viewpoint
The Brit (fifth from right) taking a knee at the Styrian Grand Prix as others choose to stand
But while some have worn anti-racism t-shirts and taken the knee ahead of races, others haven’t.
And Hamilton, who is the only black driver, wants race chiefs to ‘do a better job’ in ensuring the message is spread.
That has led to Andretti, 80, questioning Hamilton and suggesting that he is ‘militant’ in his viewpoint.
He said: ‘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.
Hamilton suggested Andretti was showing ‘ignorance’ and that he’d keep pushing for change
‘I think the whole point of this is pretentious. I feel that way. And it’s creating a problem that doesn’t exist.’
Hamilton quickly fired back at the 1978 world champion, replying: ‘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.’
Stewart, meanwhile, suggested there was ‘no resistance to change’ within Formula One
Meanwhile, Scotsman Stewart, a three-time world champion himself, suggested there was ‘no resistance to change’.
The 81-year-old said: ‘I think Lewis has been a great example to lots of people.
‘He’s quite vocal about these elements, I don’t think there’s as big a problem as there might seem.
‘There is no resistance for change if someone is clever and good at what they do. They will be accepted in Formula 1.’
Hamilton was blunt in his reply: ‘Again, another one. Just disappointing.’
At this weekend’s Grand Prix, drivers were only given a small amount of time to ‘take the knee’.
Formula One had further issues with attempts to show solidarity against racism this weekend
In a confusing display, Hamilton and others went down on one knee but other drivers hadn’t yet made it to their positions, and could be seen running into place during the moment.
Drivers then quickly stood for the national anthems, meaning the opportunity to ‘take the knee’ only lasted for a few moments.
Speaking to Sky Sports about the incident after his dominant victory, Hamilton hit out at GDPA chairman Romain Grosjean.
‘He thinks it was done once and that is all we need to do. I tried to speak to him about what the problem is and why it isn’t going away and we have to keep fighting for it. But I think this time he didn’t mention anything in the drivers’ briefing, and neither did Sebastian (Vettel)’, Hamilton said.
After being given a short space of time to ‘take the knee’, some drivers were not in position
‘Sebastian and I messaged each other and he stressed as did I the importance of continuing to do it (take the knee). I think moving forwards we need to speak with Formula One.
‘They have got to do a better job. It was such a rush. Us getting out of the car, running over, quickly doing it, taking the knee and you know… they need to do more. I don’t know why they haven’t, they only did the start for the first race and not done it since then.
‘They have come out saying they are going to fight diversity and end racism but they are not giving us the platform to continue that.’
Some drivers were still getting into position when the stance took place during a small window
All drivers then quickly stood up in order to honour the national anthems before the race