Ferrari Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza after visiting the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, approximately 30 kilometres from the Palestinian territory. The seven-time world champion described the humanitarian situation as shocking, called for unrestricted access for aid deliveries and urged the international community not to turn away from the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
Lewis Hamilton’s powerful message, shared on Instagram following his visit, has also received support from fellow motorsport world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, who publicly showed his approval of the Ferrari driver’s statement.
Lewis Hamilton joins sporting figures speaking out over Gaza
Over the past three years, several prominent figures from the sporting world have taken a strong public stance against the catastrophic humanitarian crisis affecting civilians in Gaza. The Palestinian population has faced severe restrictions on access to food, medicines and humanitarian assistance, with Israeli military restrictions contributing to the difficulties in delivering essential supplies.
Among those who have publicly expressed support for the Palestinian cause in recent months are football figures Pep Guardiola, Lamine Yamal, Mohamed Salah and Karim Benzema, alongside basketball star Kyrie Irving.
In motorsport, Lewis Hamilton has been particularly outspoken in his support for Palestinians. The British driver recently travelled to the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, where he witnessed the humanitarian aid operation and the difficulties surrounding the delivery of essential supplies to Gaza.
The visit represents another example of Lewis Hamilton using his international profile beyond Formula 1 to draw attention to humanitarian issues.
Lewis Hamilton condemns Gaza crisis after visiting Rafah border
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to visit Rafah was significant because the crossing connects the Gaza Strip with Egypt. It has played an important role in the movement of civilians and the coordination of humanitarian assistance, while also becoming a focal point for Palestinians seeking refuge from the conflict.
Humanitarian supplies intended for Gaza are coordinated through facilities on the Egyptian side of the border, although their eventual entry into the territory remains subject to restrictions and inspections.
Following his visit, Lewis Hamilton published a strongly worded Instagram statement describing what he had witnessed and expressing his distress at the treatment of Palestinian civilians.
“The last three years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza have been shocking. It is an injustice that people are denied freedom, safety and dignity. No human being should be treated as though their life matters less. I saw walls stretching for miles, built to keep them inside. Standing there, outside what felt like an open-air prison, all I could think about was getting in to help.”
The Ferrari driver then described the situation facing humanitarian workers and the difficulties encountered by those attempting to transport food, medical equipment and other essential supplies into Gaza.
“At the Rafah border, I saw trucks of food lined up ready to go, but they are regularly not allowed in or face severe delays. The first driver in the queue I spoke to had already been waiting for over 12 hours. At the nearby logistics centre, I saw the hard work of the Egyptian Red Crescent, but I also saw what gets turned away for ridiculous reasons. Sleeping bags, first-aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs, even footballs for children.”
Lewis Hamilton also called on Israel to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and allow humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.
“Israel must fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in. No excuses. I know so many people feel the same helplessness. The same need to do something rather than just watch. I don’t want us to become accustomed to their suffering. I don’t want us to turn away.”
His comments reflect his determination to draw international attention to the humanitarian emergency and encourage action rather than indifference.
Francesco Bagnaia shows support for Lewis Hamilton’s Gaza statement
Lewis Hamilton’s message also received support from another prominent figure in international motorsport, MotoGP world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia. The Italian rider expressed his approval by liking the Instagram post in which Lewis Hamilton condemned the situation in Gaza and called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the territory.
Francesco Bagnaia’s reaction added another notable motorsport name to those publicly acknowledging the Ferrari driver’s appeal, highlighting how the humanitarian crisis continues to resonate beyond Formula 1.
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