While the Austrian Grand Prix odds favour Hamilton, Max Verstappen remains the driver to beat after claiming victory at this race in each of the past two years.

Hamilton, the only black driver in the sport, wore a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, while other drivers, who all lined up with him at the front of the grid, sported black tops saying "End racism".

"I believe that what issues are specifics and behaviors in our every day lifetime relatively than official gestures that could be noticed as controversial in some countries".

The drivers gathered on the grid before the start in a show of unity against racism, with Hamilton and 13 others taking a knee in solidarity.

"So I think having looked at that, and reviewed it, it then became a very clear decision for them". I will not bend my knees today but respect and support a personal choice made by each driver.

Hamilton didn't criticise his fellow drivers for maybe not joining him in kneeling, and alternatively explained that he is willing to continue steadily to lead from the front to ensure the discussion of racial inequality will not "die a silent death".

Most drivers also took a knee during for a moment before the race, but six opted to remain standing, as the BBC noted: Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Kimi Raikkonen, Antonio Giovinazzi, Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz.

Formula One said in a statement that 4,032 tests of drivers, teams and personnel were conducted between June 26 and July 2.

Just days after the initiative was launched, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was widely condemned for his comments on racism.

Despite the extended break before the start of the season, normal service resumed on the track as Valtteri Bottas gave Mercedes top spot on the podium.

Hamilton ultimately crossed the line just behind Bottas but the penalty meant he finished fourth - so third-placed Charles Leclerc took second, and Lando Norris of McLaren took third, his first podium finish in Formula One.

While there was the familiar sight of a Mercedes auto taking the chequered flag, with pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas leading from start to finish, drama was otherwise provided by the trailing pack throughout the race.

After Mercedes had dominated qualifying, it seemed as if Bottas and Hamilton would have it all their own way in Sunday's race, despite Hamilton starting from fifth rather than second after a penalty for ignoring a yellow flag in qualifying.

The first major incident came on lap 25 when Haas' Kevin Magnussen went off with a brake problem which bought out the safety auto.

Verstappen appeared to challenge the race leader Bottas early on but an electrical failure on Lap 12 forced him to retire.

It is the second time in three races the pair have collided, with Hamilton also penalised for hitting Albon at last season's Brazilian Grand Prix.

"It's really great that Formula 1, and particular Mercedes, have taken note of the issues we're facing across the world and deciding to do something about it". The safety vehicle was deployed a total of three times also.