Hamilton isn't going to boycott the race: "We’re in Belgium, we’re not in America"

Lewis Hamilton announces that he will not boycott the Formula 1 race in Belgium this weekend. Many sporting events in the United States are boycotted because of the protests over Jacob Blake's shooting. Blake, a black man, was shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Hamilton praises athletes

In the United States, several baseball, basketball and football games are cancelled after teams have decided not to play. Hamilton praised the athletes for their role in the boycotts during the FIA press conference, but says he will not withdraw from the Belgian Grand Prix.

"Firstly I think it’s incredible what many out there in the States are doing within their sports, all the way down to the people that are hosting, commentators for example. So many people are standing with the players and really pushing for change. It’s a shame that that’s what needed over there to get a reaction", says Hamilton according to RaceFans.net.

Boycott in Belgium

"But that is in America and I don’t know if really me doing anything here will particularly have an effect. We’re in Belgium, we’re not in the United States. I haven’t spoken to anybody about it but I am really proud of so many out there and I do stand unified with them trying to do what I can over here. I don’t really know how us not doing the race – it will still go on – is a thing", the Mercedes driver explains.

According to Hamilton, it is important that Formula 1 as a sport is aligned. "I’ll still try and speak to Formula 1 to see what else we can do to continue to raise awareness, continue to help push", concludes the six-time world champion.