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Hamilton calls on F1 teams to be "accountable" in fight against racism

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has called for more action from the nine other Formula 1 teams in their anti-racism messaging, saying they must "hold themselves accountable"

Amid ongoing protests and activism against racial injustice around the world in recent months, F1 has been vocal in its messaging condemning racism.

All drivers wore t-shirts reading 'End Racism' on the grid before both races at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, while 14 of the 20 drivers took a knee as part of their expression against racism.

A number of mechanics and team crew also took a knee next to their cars ahead of the start.

Mercedes has opted to change its car livery to an all-black design for 2020 as part of its anti-racism messaging, as well as announcing plans to improve diversity within its team.

Hamilton - the only black driver in F1 history - said that while F1 had taken "a step forward" with its recent messaging against racism and to improve diversity, there was still more than could be done in the sport, before calling on other teams to be more vocal.

Speaking after his victory at the Styrian Grand Prix, Hamilton said: "There is more they can do, and I think the governing body also who set the rules who dictate in many ways what the teams do.

"On a Zoom call we had, I asked, 'look Formula 1 has come and said they are supporting to end racism and it is amazing to see Mercedes doing the same thing but no other team has said a single thing'.

"We have seen Red Bulls' mechanics take a knee, which I think is great, but publicly as businesses and as teams - if you look at Ferrari who have thousands of people working with them, I have heard no word of Ferrari saying that they hold themselves accountable and say this is what they are going to do for their future and we need the teams to do that.

"We need Formula 1 and the FIA to be more leading in those scenarios, to say, 'hey guys all of us need to pull together and fight for this'."

Hamilton, who has established his own commission to improve diversity in motorsport, added: "A lot of people don't know what the problem is and some people deny there is a problem and that is ultimately why I have put this commission together.

"Everyone has their opinion, but I really want to get to the bottom of it so when we put money towards something, we know it is going to change from the root cause."

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