Suspects arrested on racism against Vinicius Jr. 1:01

(CNN) -- Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said Thursday that the racism Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr. is suffering in the Spanish league reminds him of his own experiences of discrimination in his career.

"It's devastating to think that in 2023 we're still seeing these things and hearing these things," Hamilton said at his pre-Monaco Grand Prix press conference this weekend.

"It really affects me, it makes me feel emotions about things I've been through, whether it's in the UK or when I was racing in Italy, France or Spain."

"It can be very hurtful what people say. First of all, I think [Vinicius Jr.] has been incredibly brave. I think it's amazing what a lot of these [athletes] who are experiencing that on the field are doing in terms of staying strong and strong," Hamilton said.

  • The scandal over the racist attack on Vinicius Jr. grows: there are already seven detainees and LaLiga recognizes "a serious problem"

"Vinícius Jr. has been incredibly brave," Lewis Hamilton said. (Credit: Stephane Mahe/Reuters)

Hamilton, the only black driver currently competing in Formula 1, added that he believes more attention is needed to effectively combat racism. She had recounted her own racist experiences at school in the past, and in November 2021 she was the victim of racist abuse by former Brazilian F1 driver Nelson Piquet.

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"There is no place for discrimination, I think, in today's society. Sport has to do more, we all have to keep doing more. If we see it, if we hear it, we have to do something about it," the 38-year-old said.

Vinicius Jr. suffered persistent racist insults from some Valencia fans during a match played this Sunday at the Mestalla stadium.

The Brazilian player has been subjected to racist insults from the stands on 10 occasions during league matches in the last two seasons. Seven people were arrested on Tuesday in connection with incidents of racist insults directed at the Madrid star this season.

  • The inaction of Spanish football in the face of racist insults to Vinicius Jr. can be expensive for LaLiga

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts after receiving racist abuse during the LaLiga Santander match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid CF at the Mestalla Stadium on May 21, 2023 in Valencia, Spain. Credit: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

New contract with Mercedes

Meanwhile, Hamilton says his new contract with Mercedes is "almost ready", following reports linking the 38-year-old Briton to a move to Ferrari.

"My team is working closely behind the scenes with Toto [Wolff], we are almost at the end of having the contract ready," Hamilton told reporters, referring to the Mercedes team principal.

"For the team to focus on that, so I can do my job, is a much better position than I had before. I remember I used to do all the negotiations on my own, and it was very stressful, so I don't have to do that anymore."

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur also made it clear that the Italian team had not held any talks with Hamilton.

"You know perfectly well that at this stage of the season every week you will have a different story and we are not going to send an offer to Lewis Hamilton. We haven't."

The Monaco Grand Prix takes place on Sunday at the Circuit de Monaco.

Lewis HamiltonVinicius Jr.