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British Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton slams 'very prominent' racism and demands harsher punishments
Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton has spoken out against racism and called for a crackdown to help counteract a ‘a very prominent’ problem.
Mercedes driver Hamilton, 34, has won 73 times at Grand Prix races around the world and will feature in the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
But in a week where England’s 5-1 victory over Montenegro was marred by accusations of racism, particularly aimed at Danny Rose, Raheem Sterling and Callum Hudson-Odoi, the British racer has hit back at racists.
READ MORE: Premier League managers call for severe penalties for racism
READ MORE: Sterling – England star admits racial abuse was on his mind before match
READ MORE: UEFA due to launch racism inquiry after England’s game in Montenegro
And he insists the problem is as prevalent as ever.
“It is really there. All around the world, racism is still a real issue, which is sad to see,” he told the BBC.
“People just need to stand up for it more. Action should be taken.”
“I just remember being at school and you would kind of get a slap on the hand for it and it’s kind of let slide and I don’t think that should happen anywhere.
“It starts from parents passing it on to kids and it continues on.”
After that 5-1 victory in Montenegro, Hamilton took to Instagram to post about the ‘despicable and completely unacceptable’ chants.
Hamilton added: “It is crazy to think that in this time in the world it is still very, very prominent.
“It doesn’t seem like it is going to be migrating much over the next years but it is great to see people standing by people in support but it doesn’t look like something is going to particularly change for a long time.”
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