Lewis Hamilton speaks out on F1 kneeling ban after Lando Norris issues strong response

Lewis Hamilton has insisted that more can be done to tackle inequality in Formula One after Lando Norris condemned the sport’s decision to scrap the pre-race kneeling ceremony ahead of the new season. All drivers were given the opportunity to make any gesture they wished to address important issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and racial injustice over the course of the last two years.

The ceremony was accompanied by a short video clip of the drivers speaking about various societal problems and the need for change before they were allowed to perform their gestures prior to the start of each race.

However, F1 boss Stefano Domencali recently confirmed that it would be scrapped for 2022 in order to switch the focus ‘from gesture to action’ in a bid to improve diversity and inclusion.

Hamilton welcomed the decision to push for tangible progress when quizzed on the matter at Thursday’s pre-season test but also insisted that more can still be done to tackle important issues.

The 37-year-old has been vocal about the need for motorsport to increase diversity and is helping to push for changes via the Hamilton Commission and his Mission 44 charity.

“It’s about traction now, so that’s something that I look forward to seeing over a period of time,” said Hamilton.

“I had a great call last year with all the teams about getting included in this charter, so that every team is trying to push for diversity.

“I guess just really rather than just talking about these things and making these gestures, actually [it’s about] really pushing.

“I don’t know whether we need that one moment. We should be able to do it at any stage really.

“But I did feel that the overall slogan last year with all the different things compiled into one, I think we can do more and be more impactful somehow.

“But I don’t know what that is just yet.”

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