Lewis Hamilton, an absolute legend of Formula One, is the only racer of color in the F1 universe. In the case of records, he is one of the most successful racers in history. But other than races, Hamilton has a huge impact on the sport in terms of diversity concerned. Before and even after this great English racer graced the race tracks, not many people of color had participated in the F1 races. Instead, he is the only black racer in F1 motorsport.
Time and again, Hamilton has talked about the lack of diversity that is prevalent in the sport. Lewis Hamilton has been a victim of racial slurs and abuse ever since he was five years old. He faced such abuse even when he entered the F1 universe. He said, “When it came to driving I could find it is the only way to channel my anger.” Hamilton said that he sometimes like to ask this question that why is he the only one in this sport. Why was he the chosen one?
Hamilton’s Purpose Of Life, To Serve People
Like everybody searches for the purpose of their lives, Lewis Hamilton did it too. At first, he thought it was racing. But later, he realized it was something beyond races and championships. The purpose of his life was to bring Black Equity to not just the F1 universe but in sports globally. He emphasized that there is a lack of Black Ownership in the World of Sports. This is why Hamilton decided to share the NFL Franchise, Denver Broncos ownership. He also seems very willing to buy Manchester United with his long-time friend, Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of Ineos, sponsor of the Mercedes F1 team.
Albeit he is an Arsenal fan he is keen on buying one of the biggest clubs of the Premier League to spread the idea of Black Ownership. Lewis Hamilton encouraged many campaigns to mark protest against racial abuse. He has established a foundation called Mission 44 which helps the under-privileged and works for improving equality around the world. This foundation has helped a lot of children for their education, health, etc. Hamilton with his Mercedes Team has jointly founded a charity initiative called Ignite to spread more diversity and inclusion in the field of motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton Describes His Traumatic Days At School
Lewis Hamilton’s personal traumatic experiences inspire this battle against racism and injustice during his school days at The John Henry Newman Catholic School. In an interview with Jay Shetty on the podcast On Purpose, Lewis Hamilton shared what it was like to be one of the few children of color. Bananas were thrown at him, teachers used to punish him unjustifiably, and there were many other ways of bullying and abuse he had to go through. He found refuge in learning Karate as self-defense against these bullies.
Lewis Hamilton said, “The reason for the lack of diversity is not due to the lower population of black people. But a cognitive barrier that has been there in society for thousands of years. I want to shift this narrative in any way I can.” Talking about his conversations with his boss Toto Wolff he mentioned, “I told him that could you imagine how you would feel if you were the only white guy walking towards the paddock.” Toto Wolff shared this story quite a few times saying, “I got hit hard after listening to Lewis Hamilton.”