Hamilton's thoughts:
Hamilton said the fight against racism "is not a new battle for me."
"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 ... grand prix, one of my first Formula One races," he continued.
"I'm used to being one of very few people of color on my teams and, more than that, I'm used to the idea that no one will speak up for me when I face racism, because no one personally feels or understands my experience. Most of the time, they don't even see it and if they do, they let their fear of saying the wrong thing get in the way.
"The unchanged makeup of the F1 community throughout my career makes it feel like only a certain type of person is truly welcome in this sport, one who looks a certain way, comes from a certain background, fits a particular mold and plays by certain unwritten rules.
"Even now, the media ask me different questions than they do my competitors and make accusations directly and indirectly -- you're not British enough, not humble enough, not loved enough by the public."
Hamilton's Dad on BLM in motorsport
Hamilton has received the backing of F1 chief Ross Brawn after calling out his fellow drivers and people in the paddock for not speaking up in support of the civil rights movement.
The six-time champion's decision to apply pressure has 'touched a nerve' with his dad, who says the comments shared on social media platform Instagram were "supremely powerful".
"I think what Lewis is doing is amazing," Hamilton Sr told GPFans.com. "He does stand alone and is not afraid to put his head above the parapet for something that he believes in.
"I'm sitting back and reading his comments and thinking: 'Wow! That's powerful'. I am absolutely extremely proud of him because when I saw Lewis' comments I thought it was supremely powerful.
"I'm not surprised it's come from Lewis because he is a mould breaker. I just thought what an iconic role model he is in terms of speaking up for what he believes in. The surprise was that no-one else had done or said anything before him.
"It will touch a nerve in all of us because actually he does see us, that no one had done anything. When he said that I thought: 'Actually, he is quite right'. No one in the sport had done anything. So I'm extremely proud of him for actually bringing it to the fore."
Hamilton is said to be planning to 'take a knee' in a public show of support for Black Lives Matter at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix.
I am looking forward to see Lewis taking a knee in Austria!!!
