Hamilton applauds NASCAR for supporting Wallace

Lewis Hamilton praised NASCAR for its unity and display of solidarity alongside Bubba Wallace at Talladega on Monday.

Wallace, the American series only full-time black driver, received the overwhelming support of NASCAR's entire field on Monday, a day after a noose was found in the garage of the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports car.

With the support of NASCAR president Steve Phelps who decried a "terrible, terrible act", teams and drivers rallied around Wallace's car on pit road before the race and followed the #43 machine as it was pushed from its 24th starting spot to the front of the field.

• Hamilton launches commission to encourage diversity in motorsport

An emotional Wallace climbed out of his car and broke down in tears, supported by his legendary team owner Richard Petty.

After the race, Hamilton took to Instagram to praise NASCAR for its display of solidarity and strong stance against racial injustice.

"So proud of everyone in Nascar for standing together and showing up in the face of adversity and discrimination! This is how it should be as we are one race," wrote the six-time F1 world champion who announced last weekend the creation of a commission to help improve diversity and inclusion in motorsports.

Talladega allowed 5,000 fans to attend its race which was delayed by weather by a day. Wallace finished the event a creditable 14th after a late pit stop deprived him of a top-5 finish and a battle with winner Ryan Blaney.

But the 26-year-old from Mobile, Alabama was all smiles and mask free when he walked up to the main grandstand and slapped hands through the fence.

"I wanted to show whoever it was: You are not going to take away my smile," he said, explaining why he had pulled off his mandatory mask.

"This sport is changing. The pre-race deal was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to witness in my life.

"From all the supporters, from drivers to crew members, everybody here, the badass fan base, thank you guys for coming out. This is truly incredible, and I'm glad to be a part of this sport.''

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter