Schumacher criticized for anti-racism ‘no comment’ (Update)

(GMM) Mick Schumacher says his stance about racism has been “misinterpreted”.

Last week, the Haas rookie flirted with controversy by answering “no comment” when asked by La Stampa newspaper to talk about F1 and Lewis Hamilton’s political activism.

Some social media users lashed out at his silence on the highly-charged topic, prompting the son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher to respond on Twitter.

“I was recently misinterpreted after an interview on a question surrounding political activism,” the 21-year-old said.

“Just to make one thing clear – I’m against any form of injustice and inequality, and support the fight against racism.”

The Schumacher controversy comes after Formula 1 indicated that the pre-race kneeling gestures seen in 2020 may now end this season.

Seven time world champion Hamilton said on social media last Friday: “Last year, some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of. My question is, what’s next?

“Change is still needed,” he added.

At the same time, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that 45 human rights associations have asked Hamilton to boycott this year’s inaugural Saudi Arabian GP.

On Sunday, Formula E teams were caught up in a missile attack launched by terrorists in the capital Riyadh.

“You have shown immense courage in your fight,” the human rights groups reportedly told Hamilton in a letter.

“If the best F1 driver refuses to compete in Saudi Arabia, it could be of great help in convincing the country to finally change its conception of human rights.”

(GMM) Mick Schumacher is flirting with controversy by refusing to comment on Lewis Hamilton and Formula 1’s anti-racism messaging.

When asked about the current era of racial and environmental political activism championed by seven time world champion Hamilton, Schumacher told La Stampa newspaper: “No comment.”

Immediately, some social media users slammed the Haas rookie.

“In the end, we won’t remember the words of our enemies, we will remember the silence of our friends,” one said.

Another added: “If you are neutral on these matters, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

However, the 21-year-old also refused to answer a question about whether he has been able to speak with his famous father Michael about his forthcoming F1 debut.

“This is a private matter,” the young German answered. “We should return to motorsport topics.”

Schumacher does admit to talking with another German, his mentor Sebastian Vettel.

“Seb and I talk to each other regularly,” Mick admitted. “He has a lot of experience and gives me advice. He’s keeping an eye on me.”

Finally, Schumacher admitted that his ultimate goal is to follow in the wheel-tracks of his father and Vettel by wearing red in Formula 1.

“I am very happy to be at Haas,” Mick, who is currently in quarantine in Britain ahead of a visit to Haas, insisted. “I’m on my debut, and I’d like to make the very best of it, then we’ll see what the future has in store for me.

“Everything is unpredictable now, but I don’t deny it – it would be a dream to drive a Ferrari like my father did.”