Beyond the Flag
Fansided

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton may kneel for United States Grand Prix national anthem

By Asher Fair

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Pole position qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying for the Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit on September 30, 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Pole position qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying for the Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit on September 30, 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After voicing his support for the NFL national anthem protesters, Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton stated that he may kneel during the anthem at the United States Grand Prix.

Three-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton made headlines last week by posting two Instagram photos indicating his support for the NFL players who have been protesting the United States national anthem.

There were more anthem protests last Sunday before NFL games as players responded to President Donald Trump’s comments against the anthem protesters in a rally last Friday.

Hamilton has spoken out about Trump before, so it was no surprise to see him approve of these protests. However, the Briton may just take his approval of the protests to a new level before the United States Grand Prix is held on Sunday, October 22nd: he may kneel himself.

More from Formula One

Here is what he had to say about the prospects of doing so.

"“I’ve not even thought about that race, but of course I will have to start to think about it — what would be right for me to do, or do I even need to get involved? It’s not my national anthem, but the issue that is in the States … well, it’s not just in the States, it is a global thing. It’s more focused and probably at its worse perhaps in America. I think we all do need to stand together.”“It’s important for everyone to stand up for what they believe in. I don’t plan on being more political, but I do feel we should all stand up and stick by what we believe in. It is open for anyone to have freedom of speech, and I guess we can all play a role in trying to make a difference in the world. Particularly if your leader is not helping in that area.”"

Hamilton has been known to do what’s “trendy” in the past, which protesting the national anthem has become lately among athletes, so perhaps this is a knee-jerk reaction to the recent spike in anthem protests and it will wear off by October 22nd. However, anything is possible, and this is certainly something to keep an eye on.

Next: Looking back at Lewis Hamilton's first 69 poles, a new record

After the Malaysian Grand Prix, there is just one more race before the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 at 3:00 PM ET on NBC Sports Network. The question is, will Lewis Hamilton stand for the national anthem?

Home/Formula One