‘Brings up Emotions That I Experienced’: Lewis Hamilton Commends Brave Vinicius’ Fight Against Racism

0
96

[google-translator]

Lewis Hamilton, Vinicius Junior

Seven time world champion Hamilton threw his weight behind the Real Madrid superstar forward as he stated that Vinicius’ predicament brings up emotions about things that he experienced in racing. The Brit also experienced racist abuse in Spain when testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in 2008

Lewis Hamilton hailed Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr as ’incredibly brave’ for his response to racist insults in Spain and said the incidents brought back painful memories from his own career in motor racing.

Brazilian forward Vinicius called LaLiga and Spain racist when he took to social media to complain about the abuse he suffered from the crowd during a match in Valencia on Sunday.

ALSO READ| Manchester United Secures Champions League Return after Chelsea Win

”It’s devastating to think that in 2023 we’re still seeing these things and hearing these things,” seven-times world champion Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, said at the Monaco Grand Prix.

”It really hits home for me, it really brings up emotions about things that I experienced, whether it’s back in the UK or when I was racing in Italy or in France or in Spain. It can be so hurtful the things that people say. I think he’s been incredibly brave.

”I think it’s amazing what so many of these that are experiencing that on the pitch are doing in terms of standing tall, standing strong, continuing to be humble in their approach, not being reactive but being responsible when they are moving forwards because they know there’s lots of young kids that are watching.”

Mercedes driver Hamilton was granted honorary Brazilian citizenship last year, with the country’s parliament highlighting his deep connection with the country where he won his first title in 2008.

The Briton, who was teammate to Spaniard Fernando Alonso at McLaren in a tumultuous 2007 debut season, also experienced racist abuse in Spain when testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in 2008.

ALSO READ| Mohamed Salah ‘Devastated’ as Liverpool Miss Out on Champions League Spot

 Hamilton said sports needed to do more to tackle the problem.

”We all need to continue to do more and if we see it, hear it, we need to do something about it,” he said.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Reuters)

Source link

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here