Formula 1, FIA and Mercedes condemn online racist abuse of Hamilton

Formula 1, The FIA and Mercedes have condemned the racist abuse of Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time world champion was targeted on social media during and after winning yesterday’s British Grand Prix following his in-race collision with Max Verstappen.

A joint statement issued by the three parties read: “During, and after, yesterday’s British Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was subjected to multiple instances of racist abuse on social media following an in-race collision.

“Formula 1, The FIA and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.

“Formula 1, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated."

Hamilton, whose Hamilton Commission - the initiative set-up to increase representation of Black people in UK motorsport - published its first report into the issue last week, won a record eighth British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday.

He did so after rebounding from a 10-second penalty that was issued to him by race stewards for causing a collision with Verstappen, who was taken to hospital for precautionary checks after a heavy impact with the barriers at Copse Corner.

Verstappen was subsequently released from hospital at 10pm local time on Sunday evening without any major injuries.

Meanwhile, Formula 1 teams – including Verstappen’s Red Bull squad – also presented a united front against racist abuse, with Red Bull posting a statement on social media that read: “While we may be fierce rivals on-track, we are all united against racism. We condemn racist abuse of any kind towards our team, our competitors and our fans.

“As a team we are disgusted and saddened to witness the racist abuse Lewis endured yesterday on social media after the collision with Max,” the statement went on. “There is never any excuse for it, there is certainly no place for it in our sport and those responsible should be held accountable.”