Lewis Hamilton says his involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement will not distract him from winning a record-equalling seventh world title this season.
Hamilton was dropped from second to fourth place with a five-second penalty, following a coming together with Alex Albon towards the end of the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.
The Briton took a knee along with 13 other drivers on the grid ahead of that race, before pledging to further push on the debate. And ahead of Sunday’s second race in Austria, he said that ongoing ambition would have no impact as he bids to equal Michael Schumacher’s seven drivers’ titles.
“I don’t feel like I need to refocus,” said Hamilton. “My race was pretty strong. I need to do a better job but I wouldn’t say I was distracted. I am focused on both — trying to win this championship but also fighting for equal rights.”
The 35-year-old said there were no plans in place for another on-grid show of solidarity with his driver rivals but said he and his team could yet take a knee at some point over the weekend.
“We really have to continue to push for change,” he added.
