Sir Lewis Hamilton says he is ready to join this weekend’s social media blackout – and revealed he has been the target of abuse.
Football organisations in England will boycott social media from 3pm on Friday for three days in a united front against online hate and discrimination.
England Rugby will also take part, while the Lawn Tennis Association has confirmed its participation too, along with other clubs and organisations.
It is understood that F1 bosses discussed the topic with all 10 teams ahead of this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix and there are no plans to join the boycott.
But seven-time world champion Hamilton, the sport’s biggest figure, said: “I am fully supportive of the initiative and if me doing it helps put pressure on those platforms in order to help fight against it then, for sure, I am happy to do so.
“I am really proud to hear there are so many organisations getting involved. I am not sure why Formula One is not a part of that. But I heard Sky are for example, and as I said, I probably will follow it and support it this weekend.”
“I thought it was important to do so because there is far too much online abuse, hatred, negativity and racism that is just undeserved and I feel like it is our duties to raise as much awareness as possible, not just within sport but all walks of life.
“It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or what background you are from, but just to spread positivity and to be nice to one another.
“I feel strongly about this and I feel it is my duty to be a part of this cause. Hopefully we can all make a change.”
A spokesperson for the sport said: “F1 is wholly committed to combatting any form of discrimination, online or otherwise.
“We support the actions of the Premier League and other sporting bodies and athletes in highlighting that more must be done to eradicate online abuse that they are receiving directly.
“We continue to work with all platforms and our own audiences to promote respect and positive values and put a stop to racism.”
Hamilton, 36, heads into the third round of the season leading Max Verstappen by a single point in the standings following the Red Bull driver’s victory in Imola earlier this month.
