Mercedes back Lewis Hamilton: We are not bringing politics into F1
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Lewis Hamilton wears a shirt in tribute to the late Breonna Taylor as he talks to the media during the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany at Mugello circuit in Scarperia, Italy, September 13, 2020. /VCG

Lewis Hamilton wears a shirt in tribute to the late Breonna Taylor as he talks to the media during the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany at Mugello circuit in Scarperia, Italy, September 13, 2020. /VCG

Mercedes Benz supported their top racer Lewis Hamilton via Twitter after the Formula 1's ruling body reportedly considered investigation on Hamilton's T-shirt highlighting police brutality at the Tuscan Grand Prix.

In a reply to fans' questions, Mercedes said via Twitter on Monday: "We're not bringing politics into F1, these are human rights issues that we are trying to highlight and raise awareness of. There's a big difference."

Mercedes-AMG F1's twitter screenshot

Mercedes-AMG F1's twitter screenshot

Hamilton, a six-time world champion and series leader, wore a T-shirt bearing a message that said "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" before and after the race, during an anti-racism ceremony and television interviews last weekend.

A spokesperson for the International Motoring Federation (FIA) told the BBC that the case against Hamilton is "under active consideration."

Hamilton had previously worn a "Black Lives Matter" t-shirt at every race without any comment from the FIA.

The photo of the late Breonna Taylor is shown on the back of Lewis Hamilton's shirt during the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany in Scarperia, Italy, September 13, 2020. /VCG

The photo of the late Breonna Taylor is shown on the back of Lewis Hamilton's shirt during the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany in Scarperia, Italy, September 13, 2020. /VCG

Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was shot by police in Kentucky in March. She was a medical worker and was killed in her own home.

The FIA rules state that drivers are not to use advertising that is "political or religious in nature of that is prejudicial to the interests of the FIA."

The motorsport governing body launched a #WeRaceAsOne initiative earlier in the year, which was aimed at tackling COVID-19 and racially inequality issues that have been so prevalent around the world.

The hashtag #IstandwithLewisHamilton is prevalent via Twitter and a growing number of fans have slammed reports the FIA is investigating Hamilton over his message, saying it flies in the face of what their initiative is supposed to stand for.

F1 racers gather in support of ending racism before the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany in Scarperia, Italy, September 13, 2020. /VCG

F1 racers gather in support of ending racism before the F1 Grand Prix of Tuscany in Scarperia, Italy, September 13, 2020. /VCG

@xdiordepp: For those who don't know, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton will be investigated by FIA for wearing this t-shirt. Apparently asking for justice for an innocent girl killed by the police is a political message. Thanks for proving "we race as one" is just a slogan #IstandwithLewisHamilton

@AMJFormula1: Without Lewis Hamilton they wouldn't be a single discussion on diversity. The FIA have committed to NOTHING if they are investigating Lewis,

Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka, the U.S. Open champion, also brought Taylor's death to public attention when she wore a face mask with her name on it at the New York tournament.

"It took me a long time to get that shirt and I've been wanting to wear it and bring awareness to the fact that there's people that have been killed on the street and there's someone that got killed in her own house, and they're in the wrong house, and those guys are still walking free," said Hamilton after his 90th career victory on Sunday.

"We can't rest. We have to continue to raise awareness with it. And Naomi's been doing amazing, so huge congratulations to her. She is an incredible inspiration with what she has done with her platform."

(With input from agencies)

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