Mercedes F1 team stands with Hamilton on injustice

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The Mercedes F1 team published a message on social media in which it expressed its support for Lewis Hamilton's plead for social and racial justice.

Amid the crisis sweeping across America following the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died last week during his arrest in Minneapolis, Hamilton used his platform to condemn F1 community for its silence on the tragedy.

Since, Charles Leclerc, Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris and Nicholas Latifi have all issued messages on social media supporting the peaceful protests in the US, highlighting the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag.

Hamilton condemns F1 community for silence over racial injustice

Mercedes has followed suit with a tweet referencing Hamilton's words and events of late.

"We stand with you, Lewis," Mercedes said.

"Tolerance is an elementary principle of our team and we are enriched by diversity in all its forms.

"We welcome and encourage people from all races, cultures, religions, philosophies and lifestyles, and condemn every form of discrimination as we work together to drive change forward.

"We are deeply saddened by the recent developments and hope for e de-escalation soon".

As members of the paddock respond positively to Hamilton's tirade, F1 commercial rights holder Liberty Media has yet to publicly take a stance

However, the sport has a history of keeping itself out of the world's hot political waters, taking its business to the highest bidders with little concern for a regime's morals or a country's human rights record.

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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.