Lewis Hamilton is holding steady on his anti-racism activism, hitting back at two of motorsport greatest icons who believe the Briton is exaggerating F1's diversity problems.
While Hamilton has addressed F1's lack of diversity in the past and spoke of his experience of discrimination during his formative years in the sport, the six-time world champion has ramped up his activism in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May.
Hamilton led F1's driver community to take a knee on the grid in Austria and the act was repeated at the following two races.
F1's only back driver in history has also spurred on the sport's commercial rights holder Liberty Media to take concrete steps to improve diversity in Grand Prix racing and in motorsport in general.
However, Hamilton's 'Black Power' salute on the podium of the Styrian Grand Prix, a gesture viewed as highly political by many, has raised questions about whether the 35-year-old's fight against racism should remain allied to Formula 1.
Motorsport legend Mario Andretti believes that Hamilton is creating a problem in an arena where "it doesn't exist".
"I have a lot of respect for Lewis, but why become a militant? He's always been accepted, and he's earned everyone's respect," Andretti told Chilean newspaper El Mercurio last week
"I think the whole point of this is pretentious. I feel that way. And it's creating a problem that doesn't exist.
"I've met drivers from different backgrounds, races, and I've always welcomed them with open arms," Andretti added.
"In motor racing it doesn't matter what colour you are; you have to earn your place with results, and that's the same for everyone."
Hamilton took to Instagram to answer the 1978 F1 world champion's comments, urging the 80-year-old - an Italian immigrant who rose to stardom on his merit and over the course of an exemplary career - to "educate himself".
"This is disappointing but unfortunately a reality that some of the older generation who still have a voice today cannot get out of their own way and acknowledge there is a problem," wrote a rather puffed up Hamilton on an Instagram story.
"Again, this is plain ignorance but that will not stop me from continuing to push for change.
"It is never too late to learn and I hope that this man who I've always had respect for can take the time to educate himself."
"I think Lewis has been a great example to lots of people," the great Scot said on Good Morning Britain last week.
""He's quite vocal about these elements, I don't think there's as big a problem as there might seem.
"There is no resistance for change if someone is clever and good at what they do. They will be accepted in Formula 1."
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