Lewis Hamilton will proceed to take a knee forward of Components One races this yr within the hope it would spark extra “uncomfortable conversations” on points associated to racism.

All through the 2020 season, F1 invited all 20 drivers to unite towards racism forward of the beginning of every race. Not all drivers kneeled, however they gathered on the beginning grid and wore t-shirts that includes anti-racism messages.

For 2021, F1 will proceed with the ceremony forward of every race however will embrace help for wider social and environmental points fairly than a sole deal with anti-racism.

“I plan to proceed to take the knee as a result of I believe what’s actually essential is when younger youngsters are watching what we’re doing right here on this sport and once they see us taking the knee, they’re going to sit and ask their dad and mom or academics ‘Why are they doing that? What are they taking the knee for?’ and it sparks uncomfortable conversations,” Hamilton mentioned.

“It means dad and mom have to teach themselves, and the youngsters are getting educated. So it is a combat that is not received, it is a combat that can proceed on for a very long time I am certain, however I undoubtedly assume we’re in a very good time the place dialog is wholesome.”

Hamilton campaigned for racial equality all through 2020 and arrange a fee halfway by means of the yr to assist enhance the illustration of Black individuals in British motorsport. He mentioned the symbolism of taking a knee had been essential to him on a private degree.

“I am unable to ignore the truth that final yr weighed closely on me — as I become old and I am understanding extra, I would prefer to assume all of us went by means of an academic section final yr,” Hamilton mentioned. “We’re all studying extra, there was much more dialogue.

“I used to be watching extra documentaries, I used to be studying an enormous quantity extra, attempting to teach myself on the issues which might be taking place world wide, and that hasn’t stopped. So by means of the winter additionally. It undoubtedly felt empowering to not be silent like some might want you to be.

“It undoubtedly felt good, on the one facet taking the knee on a private degree to let the Black neighborhood know that I hear you, I see you and I stand with you. That was essential for me. However alongside the way in which there’s so many issues that we have to tackle world wide and naturally I am unable to repair every little thing, however I naturally wish to assist.”