FORMULA One world champion Lewis Hamilton yesterday marched in the latest anti-racism rally in London, describing the experience as “really moving”.

The 35-year-old, who is the only black driver in F1, joined the protests that have become common since the death of unarmed African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody last month.

“Went down to Hyde Park today for the peaceful protest, and I was so proud to see in person so many people of all races and backgrounds supporting this movement,” said Hamilton on Instagram.

“I was proud to be out there, acknowledging and supporting the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, and my black heritage.

“I was also happy to see so many white supporters out there in the name of equality for all. It was really moving. I’m feeling extremely positive that change will come, but we cannot stop now. Keep pushing.”

He posted a photo of himself holding up a BLM sign, while his T-shirt slogan read “Black is a vibe”.

The six-time world champ also wore a yellow scarf around his face.

Hamilton earlier penned an article for Britain’s The Sunday Times, in which he said he is launching his own diversity body to attract more black youngsters into motor racing, insisting that the “time for token gestures is over”.

A powerful and influential voice, the racer said he is teaming up with the Royal Academy of Engineering to launch The Hamilton Commission.

“I’ve been fighting the stigma of racism throughout my racing career – from kids throwing things at me while karting, to being taunted by fans in blackface at a 2007 Grand Prix, one of my first F1 races.

“Despite my success in the sport, the institutional barriers that have kept F1 highly exclusive persist.

“It is not enough to point to me, or to a single new black hire, as a meaningful example of progress. Thousands of people are employed across this industry, and that group needs to be more representative of society.”

The research partnership aims to encourage black youth to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics. – AFP, June 22, 2020.