F1 drivers apologise after Lewis Hamilton criticism for failure to speak out on George Floyd death

Formula 1 drivers have apologised after coming under fire from Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton over their lack of response to the death of George Floyd

Hamilton took to social media on Sunday evening to publicly criticise his F1 colleagues for "staying silent" after Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed while being detained by police in Minneapolis earlier this week.

Video footage showed a white police officer, Derek Chauvin – who has since been charged with murder and manslaughter – kneeling on Floyd's neck before he died.

The incident has sparked mass protests across the United States and beyond, with demonstrators also gathering in London’s Trafalgar Square and outside the US Embassy on Sunday.

Hamilton, who is Formula One’s only black driver, wrote on his Instagram story: “I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice.

"Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white-dominated sport.

“I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.

"I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can’t stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are, and I see you."

The 35-year-old's post prompted a quick response from drivers in the paddock, with Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, McLaren's Lando Norris, Williams driver George Russell and Daniel Ricciardo of Renault all posting messages via their official accounts across Twitter and Instagram within hours.

Leclerc, 22, apologised after admitting it was "wrong" that he felt "uncomfortable" at sharing his thoughts on the matter.

Russell, one of three British drivers on the grid, echoed the Monegasque's words, adding he felt "out of place" at the time before telling his followers to "use your voice to spread awareness".

Norris, a prominent figure member of F1's younger generation, made no direct reference to Hamilton's tweet - instead asking his 424,000 followers to donate to the 'Black Lives Matter' website.

"I have fans and followers. Support and love. And I have power through this to lead and inspire so many. But we also stand for what’s right. This time I ask you to do something and take action. Click the link and make a difference... #blacklivesmatter"

There was no word from Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, though neither had been active on Twitter since the incident occurred. Hamilton's team-mate, Valtteri Bottas, is also yet to comment.

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Hamilton hits out at F1 stars for silence over George Floyd death