Hamilton admires Kaepernick, but won't take a knee

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Lewis Hamilton offered his full support for the anti-racist movement initiated by NFL quarter-back Colin Kaepernick, but has no plans to take a knee in Austin.

Kaepernick gained nationwide attention last year when he began protesting by not standing while the US national anthem was played before the start of a game, a decision motivated by what he viewed as a rise of racial injustice in the US.

Hamilton praised the NFL player for his actions and the subsequent widespread movement which they have led to.

"It is great to see people standing up for their beliefs," Hamilton said.

"Particularly with Kaepernick sacrificing his career for the greater good. Just that alone is admirable and I have huge admiration for him."

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While the Mercedes driver takes a clear stance, he has no plans of conducting a protest of his own on Sunday.

"I don’t have any plans," he said.

"Of course, there has been a lot of mention of it – not of the kneeling, but just of the whole situation here in America.

"I know black and white people that live here in America, so I get quite a view of what’s happening here in the States and opinions from Americans here about the movement.

"I respect it highly, but I’m here to win and that’s the top of my priorities at the moment and I’m not really focused on anything else at the moment.”

"I don’t really plan on allowing all the BS that’s surrounding the topic pull me down in my strive to winning this world title.

"I’ve worked hard to be where I am today and, whilst I do have opinions and feelings towards the whole situation, as I’ve said, at the moment, no plans on doing anything."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.