Motor racing’s governing body, the FIA, is investigating whether driver Lewis Hamilton broke rules at the Tuscan Grand Prix by wearing a T-shirt that calls for the arrests of the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor.
The back of his shirt featured a picture of Breonna and the words “Say Her Name.” Today, an FIA spokesperson told the BBC it is a “non-political organization” and Lewis’ actions are now under active investigation, ESPN reports.
Lewis was photographed following Sunday’s F1 race as he proudly wore his Breonna Taylor shirt to the podium while celebrating his win. He concluded his post-race TV interview after stepping out of his car saying, “Justice for Breonna Taylor.”
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On its social media channels, Mercedes responded to criticism that Lewis had been bringing politics into the sport. One of the replies from the world champions said, “We’re not bringing politics into F1, these are human rights issues that we are trying to highlight and raise awareness of. There’s a big difference.”
Lewis has been actively protesting police brutality and racial injustice with his attire. He wore a shirt saying “Black Lives Matter” at F1’s “end racism” demonstration held before every race. F1 has allowed its drivers to show their commitment to the anti-racism movement in any way they’d like in that segment of time ahead of the event.
Lewis explained why he wore the shirt after the race.
“I’ve been wanting to bring awareness to the fact there are people being killed on the street.” he said. “And someone was killed in her own house and they were in the wrong house and those guys are still walking free.”
Lewis’ message comes ahead of the Breonna Taylor case going to the grand jury this week. It’s been reported that Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron could announce charges against the officers who killed her depending on the jury’s findings.
We’ll keep you posted on any updates.
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