Lewis Hamilton Leading BLM Movement In F1 Is 'Absolutely Correct,' Gallagher Says

Lewis Hamilton is “absolutely right” in leading the Black Lives Matter protest in his sport, former Formula One executive Mark Gallagher said.

Hamilton, who experienced bullying and racism during his younger years, has embraced a leadership role in the fight against racism and racial injustice in Formula One. However, some believe that sports and politics should never mix, making the six-time world champion the main subject in various discussions concerning the protest.

In a recent episode of Stuart Codling’s “Flat Chat” podcast, Gallagher, a seasoned Formula One journalist and former executive in the sport, weighed in on Hamilton and his anti-racism drive. He revealed that after being tasked to dig deeper into Hamilton’s protest, he personally spoke to Lewis’ brother, Nicolas, to get a better understanding of where the British racer is coming from.

“Lewis is absolutely correct to put his head over the power pit. Because he is Britain’s superstar Formula One driver [and] he is Black,” he said.

According to Gallagher, there has been a lack of diversity in sports, and this is a perfect opportunity for people like Hamilton to utilize the media to express their thoughts and raise awareness regarding this issue.

“When you zoom right out, it is beholding to Black sports stars and celebrities to use our platform to raise this absolutely valid problem that exists in society around the world, which is that so much of what we see and consume continues to be white and male-dominated,” Gallagher pointed out.

“There’s a lack of diversity and for the Black community particularly,” he continued. “So when you kind of wrap the whole thing up, you have to say, ‘Lewis is doing the right thing.’”

During the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton, who has taken a knee before every race this season, made his stance clear once more by pointing toward the Black Lives Matter logo on the top of his helmet.

After adding another title to his name, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said that the movement has given Hamilton more motivation to finish his ­career as the greatest Formula One driver of all time.

“The Black Lives Matter movement is close to his heart,” Wolff told The Telegraph after the race. “So, it certainly helps him in terms of ­motivation.”

To show its support for the team’s best racer, Mercedes has replaced its traditional silver livery with an all-black design. Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas also wore all-black overalls this term.