On Thursday, Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton disclosed that the racism Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. suffered in Spain's La Liga reminds him of his own career experiences of racial discrimination.
The professional footballer Vinícius Jr. suffered persistent racist abuse from some Valencia fans throughout a game at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday, he was bullied with the chants of monkeys from sections of the crowd during Sunday's match, and the game was stopped in the second half for 10 minutes as the Vinicius being visible, the angry 22-year-old grabbed the referee and pointed towards fans who he felt had abused him.
He took to his social media to speak out on his disappointment after the abuse in Sunday's game at Valencia, saying that LaLiga "belongs to the racists" and that that was the problem he had endured throughout his time in the league.
Hamilton said in his press conference ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. He says: "It hits home for me, and it brings up emotions about things that I experienced, back from in the UK to when I was racing in Italy or France or Spain. It's disastrous to think that in 2023 we're still seeing and hearing these things,"
"The things that people say can be so hurtful" Referring to Vinícius Jr., He said; I think he's been incredibly brave. I think it's amazing what so many of these athletes that are experiencing this on the pitch are doing in terms of standing tall and standing strong."
Hamilton, who became the F1's first and only black driver when he entered the sport in 2007, revealed that the situation had stirred many memories of such incidents where he has suffered racist abuse during his motorsport career.
The 38-year-old furthermore said; There is no room for discrimination. I think sports need to do more in society today. We all need to continue to do more. If we see it, hear it, then we need to do something about it,"
Over the past two seasons, Vinicius Jr. has been subjected to racist abuse from the stands on ten reported occasions during La Liga matches, and seven people were arrested on Tuesday about the incidents of racist abuse directed at the Madrid star this season.
Hamilton, who has been a leading figure in his sport in campaigning against racism, said; I think he's been incredibly brave,"
Hamilton Gets New Mercedes Contract
Following reports linking the 38-year-old Briton with a switch to Ferrari, the seven-time world champion says an extension agreement is 'almost ready," Hamilton says that a new Mercedes deal is "almost there" he insists that he has had no offer from Ferrari about joining them in 2024.
My team is focusing on that, so I can just do my job, they're having discussions with the (Mercedes) team in the background, and we're almost there," Hamilton Revealed, it is a much better position than I was in before. I remember I used to do all the negotiations on my own, and it was very stressful, but I don't have to do that anymore."
However, the Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur denied an offer had been made on Thursday, and Hamilton echoed that and hoped a new deal at Mercedes will be signed off in the coming weeks.