Sir Lewis Hamilton has said the conviction of a former police officer for the killing of George Floyd “marks a new dawn in the fight for racial justice” – but warned the battle “is not over”.

On Tuesday, Derek Chauvin, 45, was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter following a three-week trial in Minneapolis.

Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes last May.

“My thoughts and prayers are with George’s family. I hope they will feel a sense of peace from this result. Black Lives Matter.”

Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, hailed Hamilton for his impact on Formula One.

Hill said: “F1 will never be the same thanks to Lewis. He has forced us to see the injustice black people suffer everyday.

“He’s been a true champion. Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.”