Lewis Hamilton attends Black Lives Matter protest at Hyde Park and reveals his pride at movement
LEWIS HAMILTON attended a Black Lives Matter protest at Hyde Park - before revealing his pride at the support for the movement.
The six-time Formula One champion, 35, took to Instagram to share a series of snaps and a powerful message following his day in London.
Hamilton revealed he was "proud" and "happy" to see people protesting so "passionately" for the cause.
On social media, Hamilton captioned his pictures: "Went down to Hyde Park today for the peaceful protest...
"I was so proud to see in person so many people of all races and backgrounds supporting this movement.
"I was proud to be out there acknowledging and supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, and my black heritage.
"I was so happy to see people of all ages, sporting Black Lives Matter signs and saying it just as passionately as I was.
"I was also happy to see so many white supporters out there today in the name of equality for all.
"It was really moving. I’m feeling extremely positive that change will come, but we cannot stop now. Keep pushing."
His post racked up nearly 150,000 likes in its first hour.
'PAIN, ANGUISH & FRUSTRATION'
Earlier this week, Hamilton opened up about his lifetime of racial abuse in a heartbreaking revelation.
The six-time F1 world champion said: "For me, and so many others around the world, seeing George Floyd’s murder triggered a sense of deep pain, anguish and frustration.
"As a nation, we’re quick to condemn monkey noises and bananas thrown at black footballers, but when it comes to addressing structural racial issues, the people in power stay silent.
"Injustice prevails when you remain neutral.
"This is not a new battle for me. I’ve been fighting the stigma of racism throughout my racing career...
"From kids throwing things at me while karting, to being taunted by fans in blackface at a 2007 Grand Prix, one of my first Formula One races.
"Even now, the media ask me different questions than they do my competitors and make accusations directly and indirectly — you’re not British enough, not humble enough, not loved enough by the public.
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"Being the first black 'anything' is a proud and lonely walk.
"When I first started out, I took my father’s advice to work twice as hard, keep my head down, my mouth shut and let my driving do the talking.
"It was only when wearing my helmet that I felt free to be myself."