Former Manchester United captain and Ex-England International, Rio Ferdinand has labelled those questioning Hamilton’s Britishness as racists, alleging that such questions are only coming up because he is a person of colour.
The 5-time Formula one champion who is also looking to take home the Silverstone race on Sunday in front of home crowd, was on Saturday thrown with a question by a journalist that has got everyone talking and questioning if the media in Britain are part of the reason racism still exist in a supposedly multicultural Britian.
According to the Journalist who asked the question, Hamilton’s Britishness is being questioned because he does not live in the United Kingdom and does not sound British when he speaks. See the question asked by the journalist:
“You have talked about how you love coming back to the UK but there is contention because people say you live in Monaco and your accent is not British,” said a reporter to Hamilton following qualifying. “Why do you think people question your Britishness?”
In answering the question, Lewis Hamilton who was not surprised that some British fans would feel that way, said:
“It is crazy because I remember growing up and watching Jenson Button and all the youngsters coming through and they all migrated to Monaco,” said Hamilton. “Nobody ever said anything.
“Of course, when I did, they had something to say.
Taking to his Instagram account, Rio Ferdinand who also have faced some form of racial abuse and media bias, defended Lewis by saying:
“Lewis Hamilton facing jibes over his Britishness !!! When he lifts the titles he is reported very British…but on the way to winning, throughout the year his patriotism is questioned.
Why??? The usual questions are “but you live in Monaco….your accent isn’t totally British…your lifestyle travelling and fashion choices….” Firstly, most F1 drivers live in Monaco including the likes of our other former world champion Jenson Button. Was Jenson’s britishness ever questioned for living in Monaco?? Not a chance.
I will tell you why – because he looked similar, sounded similar, dressed similar & walked similar to the people who raise these questions of Hamilton.
The level of disrespect & racist undertones in questioning Hamilton’s Patriotism should not be underestimated.
He prepares diligently (Five world titles tells you that), has a working formula that works for him in his down time & after proving time and time again that his preparation for racing is perfect for him, even if it means flying in from LA where he was out and about then so be it.
Do I like all of the clothes Lewis Hamilton wears, the hairstyles, his music choices etc…maybe not but do I question his Britishness?? No, of course not because he is embracing young culture and experimenting like everyone does in his own way and we should be saying good luck to him I say.
If all these interests outside F1 were hindering his performances then I would get the questions on his lifestyle but he is breaking records and could well win his sixth world title this year!
If you can enjoy your life doing things YOUR WAY, AND WIN, then you are really really winning in life as a British sportsman – but don’t forget to talk very British, dress very British, and most importantly live in the UK otherwise there will be questions on your patriotism!
We should all celebrate a champion who is One Of Our Own! @lewishamilton #F1″