Toto Wolff believes Lewis Hamilton’s anti-racism drive makes him better driver

Lewis Hamilton’s anti-racism drive has motivated him to finish his career as the greatest Formula One driver of all-time, Toto Wolff has claimed.

Hamilton, who has taken a knee before every race this season, pointed towards the Black Lives Matter logo on top of his helmet as he celebrated Sunday’s win in Spain.

The 35-year-old is the sport’s sole black driver and has already said that winning this year’s title alongside his personal fight against racism will rank as his greatest achievement.

“Lewis has always been at his best when fighting adversity, and the Black Lives Matter movement is close to his heart,” said team principal Wolff. “So, it certainly helps him in terms of motivation.

“I am always impressed with how Lewis develops every season. He gets better, in terms of his personality his driving, and that is really inspiring.

“As a man in his mid-thirties, he is able to show how you can develop as a personality, how you can improve your game, and how you can have interests outside of motor racing that make you stronger. He is a really, really good person.”

Hamilton wore a Black Lives Matter T-shirt as he knelt ahead of the sixth round of the championship.

The Briton was joined by 12 drivers in performing the gesture, while seven, including Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, stood. All wore End Racism T-shirts.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team have replaced their traditional silver livery with an all-black design to show their support for the anti-racism campaign, while Hamilton and team-mate Bottas are also wearing all-black overalls this term.

But the new-for-2020-suits did not sit well with Bottas in Sunday’s scorching Spanish summer heat.

“These black overalls are f****** hot,” complained the Finn over the team radio.

Bottas has not won since the opening round in Austria and is already 43 points behind Hamilton in the standings.