Lewis Hamilton is one of the most outspoken athletes of all-time, especially when it comes to fighting inequality and discrimination. Throughout his life, Hamilton had to face racism, even during his school life. In fact, it was his school life that taught him how to stand up for himself, being among the few black or coloured kids.
According to Lewis Hamilton, “school life was the most traumatic phase of my life.” He studied in a Catholic school in England, a predominantly white people’s land. No fewer bullies made Hamilton’s life at school more miserable. He took up martial arts to learn the technique of self-defence. Most of the teachers were also not that understanding and would always make him stand outside the classroom as punishment.
But he kept telling himself that he could not return home crying in front of his father. Finally, Lewis found something in his life that gave some sense of joy and satisfaction, that was racing. But even after entering the F1 circuit, he saw that “racism” was inescapable since he was the only black racer on the grid. In the beginning, fighting against racism at every point made his life harder.
But later, he realized that perhaps it was the purpose of his life. Since then, Lewis Hamilton has worked extensively to spread equality in all spheres of life. But Hamilton has got to a stage in his life when people look at him not just as a fighter against racism but as the best racer in the Formula One grid. Lewis knows that pretty well. Hence, Hamilton will look forward to winning the coveted eighth world driver’s championship.
How Will Lewis Hamilton Tackle FIA On Free Speech?
However, Fans do worry that his outspoken attitude towards inequality does not come between him and the eighth title. After all, the governing body, FIA, introduced new law suggesting that drivers will not be allowed to make any socio-political or religious statements. On the race track, the focus should be only on the race. The governing body won’t entertain any distractions. FIA President Mohammad Ben Sulayem explains that for any emergency announcements, the drivers can come directly to FIA. After receiving proper clarification, they may or may not get permission.
In a way, the FIA plans to curb the freedom of speech on the F1 grid. Naturally, the drivers are not happy with the new law. Lewis Hamilton, on the new direction of FIA, said, “no matter what happens, I will speak my heart out. The sport should present the opportunity to everybody to discuss important topics.” When asked if this decision hampers Hamilton’s 2023 season along with his team’s, he mentioned, “I would never want to do anything to jeopardize our season, but if there is anything important to say, then I will.” Like Lewis Hamilton, many drivers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new FIA law. Sergio Perez of Red Bull mentioned, “the drivers will lose the right to free speech because of this law.”