Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton’s BLM gestures have been slammed by Vitaly Petrov, his former F1 rival, for being ‘too much.

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Hamilton has been very vocal when it comes to showing his support for the BLM movement. He recently avoided punishment for wearing a slogan: ‘Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor’ in reference to the EMT who was killed by cops in March.

But former Renault driver Petrov said he felt the six-time world champion had taken it ‘too far’ by sporting the controversial shirt.

The Russian racing driver said to Championat: “For me, this t-shirt, on top of calling for everyone to kneel, was too much.

“It is a personal matter for every adult. You have the right to speak out on social media or give interviews, but I think the US government is well aware of these problems already.”

He went on: “But to call on that in Formula 1 itself… I think half of the spectators didn’t even know what the shirt was about until it was explained to them.

“And let’s say a driver admits to being gay – will they come out with a rainbow flag and urge everyone to become gay as well? I think the FIA will no longer allow such behaviours.”

Petrov added: “In Russia we have a different mentality, and we do not have the problems that Hamilton is talking about. There should be respect for everyone.”

One internet user commented: “hes only right hamilton has gone overboard thinks his opinion is right and just its not its his opinion and F1 should step in to stop him.”

Another wrote: “Racism does exist but he’s bang on with his comments about Hamilton!”

A third added: “His actions are creating more divisions rather than healing them. But I think thats what he wants.”

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