Former Ferrari driver Jacky Ickx was present in the paddock during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend and offered strong words of praise for Lewis Hamilton, underlining not only the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s talent behind the wheel, but also the values and personality that have made him one of the most influential figures in modern motorsport.
The Belgian racing legend, who raced for Ferrari during his Formula 1 career and remains one of the most respected voices in the paddock, placed Lewis Hamilton among the great names in the history of the sport. According to Jacky Ickx, only a select group of drivers have possessed something extra compared to the rest of the grid.
Speaking about Lewis Hamilton, Jacky Ickx said: “If you refer to Lewis, for me, he is a unique driver. It is like Senna, you have Max, you have Michael Schumacher and Fangio in the early days — these people have a little plus compared to the others.”
However, Jacky Ickx made it clear that Lewis Hamilton stands out for more than just his speed, racecraft and record-breaking achievements. In his view, the Ferrari driver has an additional quality that goes beyond results and statistics.
“But to me, he is a double plus because he is a very human person who never feared to get involved in Black Lives Matter, for example,” Jacky Ickx added.
The comments highlight an important part of Lewis Hamilton’s legacy. While his Formula 1 career is defined by world titles, race victories and historic performances, his influence outside the cockpit has become just as significant. Over the years, the Briton has used his platform to speak out on diversity, equality and social justice, becoming one of the few drivers willing to take clear public positions on issues beyond racing.
Jacky Ickx also pointed to Lewis Hamilton’s charitable work and wider commitment through his foundation, suggesting that this side of the British driver may be even more impressive than his sporting success.
“He is the only one I know today who involves himself totally in something, and maybe that quality is something even more impressive than the first one when you see what he does, what he cares about with his foundation,” Jacky Ickx said.
For Ickx, Lewis Hamilton’s willingness to use his visibility for causes he believes in separates him from many other champions. The former Ferrari driver concluded that “nobody has done that before,” stressing how rare it is for a Formula 1 driver of the seven-time world champion’s stature to combine elite sporting performance with such a strong personal commitment away from the track.
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has already added another chapter to one of the most remarkable careers in Formula 1 history. Yet Jacky Ickx’s words in Monaco showed that the Briton’s impact cannot be measured only through championship standings or race results. For one of Ferrari’s former greats, the Briton’s legacy is also defined by courage, humanity and the desire to make a difference beyond Formula 1.
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