Hamilton to continue to take a knee during pre-race moment

Lewis Hamilton says he will continue to take a knee this season during F1's pre-race ceremonial as the F1 star continues to promote racial equality.

Formula 1's pre-race gathering at the head of the grid which was initiated last year will shift away this season from its 'End Racism' theme and focus on F1's 'WeRaceAsOne' initiative which aims to improve sustainability, diversity and inclusion in the sport.

Drivers will be free to express their support for the movement as they see fit, and Hamilton explained what he intended to do this year.

"I plan to continue to take the knee," the reigning world champion said on Thursday in Bahrain.

"Because I think what's really important is when young children are watching what we're doing here in this sport.

"And when they see us take the knee, they will sit and ask their parents or their teachers, 'Why are they doing that? What are they taking the knee for?'

"It sparks an uncomfortable conversation. It means parents have to educate themselves. And the kids are getting educated.

"It's a fight that's not won. It's a fight that will continue on for a long time, I'm sure. But definitely I think we're in a good time where conversation is healthy."

Hamilton said that last year's pre-race ritual allowed him to send the right message "on a personal level". But that actions need to support the slogans.

"It definitely felt that on the one side, taking the knee on a personal level, to let the black community know that I hear you, I see you and I stand with you – that was important for me," he added.

"But along the way, there's so many things that we need to address around the world. And naturally, I can't fix everything. But I naturally want to help.

"I think we have, as I mentioned last year, an amazing platform here.

"I think it's great to see the steps that Formula 1 are taking, the steps Mercedes are taking in terms of making this sport more diverse."

• Read also: F1 pre-race moment to focus on unified 'WeRaceAsOne' initiative

Hamilton said his new-found activism is still in its nascent stage but admitted that embracing the causes he cares so passionately about has "weighed heavily" on him in 2020.

"As I get older, I'm understanding more. I think we all like to think we went through an educational phase last year. We're all learning more, there was a lot more discussion.

"I was watching more documentaries, I was reading a huge amount more – trying to educate myself on the things that are happening around the world. And that hasn't stopped through the winter, also."

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