After 14 years in the most important motorsport category, Lewis Hamilton has become an icon in the world of Formula 1, both on and off the track. Over time, he has found his identity and his voice, honoring the boy who grew up in disadvantaged circumstances, struggling to fit into the wealthy world of go-kart racing, showing up with a vehicle repaired by his father using money earned from four jobs. An environment that would have discouraged many, but not that hungry-eyed child willing to do anything to achieve his dream. That same child still drives the 39-year-old Lewis Hamilton to fight.
“I am grateful for that experience. I remember when I had no money, the sacrifices my parents made. I believe it gave me an advantage; it definitely pushes me to give 100% because it was hard for me to get here,” the Brit shared in an emotional interview for British newspaper The Sunday Times. “The first time I tried a go-kart, I was completely taken in. The adrenaline, the chaos, the desire to control it. You feel it in your heart, in your emotions, in your fingertips, everywhere. I didn’t like school, I was shy, but behind the wheel, something flowed through my veins; it was the only thing I was sure of. My first victory gave me a lot of confidence because I was competing against much wealthier families.” – the future Ferrari driver explained.
Another significant obstacle in Hamilton’s growth was racism, which he faced as a child and unfortunately continued to experience in his adult career. “I couldn’t escape it. It was everywhere: at school, in parks, in the city. I didn’t understand it, and my parents didn’t talk about it. My father would just tell me to keep my head down, not to speak, to keep my emotions to myself, and to beat others on the track. That was my only solution.” But in 2020, the year he solidified his career with a seventh World Championship, the Brit decided to use his voice, following the widespread protests for the Black Lives Matter movement. “I cried on my knees; all the emotions came flooding back. I had had enough; I needed to speak. There were people who were silent, who didn’t have a voice, while I had a platform. Winning the World Championships is amazing, but what do you do with it? What’s the point of the time you have on Earth?” – the seven-time Formula 1 world champion explained.
Thus, alongside donations, posts, and stories, Lewis Hamilton also decided to take concrete actions. In particular, he founded “Mission 44,” an NGO supporting underprivileged individuals who want to work in motorsport; he invested £20 million into it, and the project continues today with educational initiatives and scholarships. These are wonderful and often underestimated actions that truly make a Champion with a capital C.
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