Hamilton expects gesture of unity by drivers on Sunday

Lewis Hamilton expects drivers to take a united stand against racism before this Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix, although it has not yet been decided whether the collective gesture would involve taking a knee.

Formula 1's return to action in these troubled times comes against a backdrop of initiatives against racial injustice launched by the sport, Mercedes and Hamilton himself.

McLaren's Lando Norris hinted at drivers taking a knee on Sunday's grid, but Hamilton says the symbolic gesture against racism is currently "not at the top of my mind".

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"I have been asked the question multiple times and it has not really been a priority for me to come with a plan to come and kneel at the start line. So we'll see Sunday," said the sic-time world champion ahead of this weekend's opening race of the 2020 season.

"I’m sure as drivers we will stand to represent something. Whatever we do, we will try to do it united.

"I think it’s really important that we remain united, or we become united I would say also in this sport. We really do have to fight for the injustices and the inequality."

Hamilton underscored the importance of the motorsport community sustaining its efforts to improve diversity and inclusion on a continual basis.

"Whether or not it’s sustainable, it has to be. This is the whole point of me mentioning it," he added.

"We have to stay on it. Black people don’t have the privilege of being able to take a moment out. It is something we have to stay on top off; the industry has to stay on top of.

"We all have to come together, each of our voices is powerful and if we bring them together collectively, we can have a huge impact."

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