Hamilton on racist abuse: ‘For the first time, I didn’t stand alone'

The seven-time world champion was subjected to online racist abuse in the wake of his first-lap collision with title rival Max Verstappen and controversial British Grand Prix victory at Silverstone earlier this month.

A joint statement issued by F1, Mercedes, and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association condemned the racist abuse, while some drivers including McLaren duo Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo posted messages of support.

Hamilton, who remains F1’s only black driver, said the abuse was “nothing new for me” having previously been targeted by racists during a pre-season test at Barcelona in 2007.

“It was amazing to see the support from the sport, from my team and from some of the drivers,” Hamilton said in Thursday’s FIA press conference ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

"I felt for the first time that I didn't stand alone in the sport, because for all the other years, the 27-whatever years I've been racing, no-one would ever say anything.

“When it happened in 2007, no-one ever said anything. So it was really amazing to see the steps we have taken.

“Of course we can’t condone that, and there's no room for that sort of abuse. But if I have to be on the receiving end of that in this industry for people to become aware, then that's part of my journey, that's why I'm here.”

Hamilton has championed F1’s anti-racism fight, as well as the sport’s push for greater diversity and inclusivity.

Earlier this week, Hamilton launched the Mission 44 charitable foundation with a personal pledge of £20m as a response to the findings revealed by The Hamilton Commission, which has set out a series of recommendations to increase the representation of black people in UK motorsport.