Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says it is “absolutely acceptable” for Lewis Hamilton to use his platform in Formula 1 to fight for equality.
In recent years, the seven-time world champion has become known for his activism on social media, particularly around climate change and sustainability.
Then, last year, in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minnesota, Hamilton took the lead in pushing for racial equality and started his own Commission to promote diversity in motorsport.
His action led F1 to follow suit, creating the ‘We Race As One’ initiative, while Mercedes changed from their livery from its traditional silver colour to black, something that will continue in 2021.
The reaction from fans, however, was mixed, highlighting the global political divide at the moment, but Wolff remains fully behind Hamilton for speaking out.
“What I always say is that not only as a racing driver he has developed but also as a strong personality,” the Mercedes chief said.
“There are topics that are very close to his heart, and because of his large audiences, he has realised he has a voice and he wanted to utilise his voice to support the topics that are close to his heart.
“I think that is absolutely acceptable and he has gained more profile through that. He is obviously polarising, but that is OK because you would want to polarise and get the message out, rather than be down the middle and too streamlined.”
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Initially, it was suggested Hamilton’s off-track activism might become a distraction, but 11 wins and a seventh world championship later, that was proved not to be the case.
And with each F1 record and milestone that the 36-year-old hits on the track, Wolff believes that will only help increase his voice off it.
“He is always very aware that through success in Formula 1 and as a racing driver with outstanding records, he will grow his audiences and his credibility,” the Austrian added.
“That is clear. That is why these two things nurture each other. Obviously, his main base is racing and driving and that is the main platform, so all the others become more credible.”