Paris (AFP)
The Formula 1 Mercedes team unveiled a new black livery for the 2020 season, which begins this weekend in Austria, in support of the anti-racism movement "Black Lives Matter" on Monday.
"Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, in our sport or in our stable: this is something we firmly believe in Mercedes", explained the owner of the team Toto Wolff, quoted in the press release.
"However, having the right convictions and the right frame of mind is not enough if we remain silent. We wish to use our voice and our global platform to defend respect and equality. The + Silver Arrows + will run in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to more diversity in our team and our sport. "
Mercedes star pilot Hamilton regretted that the other drivers had remained silent after the death of George Floyd during his arrest by the police in the United States, also regretting that his sport was "dominated by whites".
The six-time world champion praised his team's decision on Monday.
"It is so important that we take advantage of what is going on to educate ourselves, whether we are individuals, brands or companies in order to make significant changes in terms of equality and inclusion", explained the champion of title world.
The 30-year-old launched a diversity commission last week to attract more people of color to the motorsport industry
Hamilton can count on the support of his team and the Mercedes group.
"We will not shy away from our weaknesses in this area, assured Toto Wolff, nor from the progress we have to make. With this livery, we publicly promise to act. We intend to find and attract the most great talents from as diverse backgrounds as possible and chart a path that will allow them to reach our sport, in order to build a stronger and more diverse team in the future, "he concluded.
The 2020 season begins on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, three and a half months after the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix due to the coronavirus pandemic.
© 2020 AFP