F1 Pundit explains why ‘activist’ Lewis Hamilton deserved knighthood

While Lewis Hamilton's knighthood has been questioned by people over the years, Jennie Gow explained why the Brit deserved the title.

F1 Pundit explains why ‘activist’ Lewis Hamilton deserved knighthood

Lewis Hamilton at Mission 44 fundraiser dinner, image via Hamilton's Instagram

Lewis Hamilton is the fourth F1 driver to have been knighted by the monarch of the United Kingdom. Moreover, he is the first driver to have been given the title while still actively racing.

With the 39-year-old having amassed seven F1 titles over his career and currently being involved in multiple diversity programs, F1 journalist Jennie Gow explained why he deserved the knighthood. Since the seven-time champion was a kid, he had to battle racial stereotypes and discrimination at every stage of his life.

Subsequently, when he overcame such challenges and became a staple in the world of F1, he slowly increased his outlook toward other spheres. Hamilton has given diversity and fashion a greater outreach in the F1 world, a sport where conservative ideas used to dominate till a few decades back.

Witnessing Lewis Hamilton‘s work in different spheres, Gow claimed that the Mercedes driver deserved the knighthood for all the work he has done both on and off the field.

You think of Lewis Hamilton and the way that he has turned from a somewhat petulant young man to this activist who is now representing so many different people and standing up for so many different people. There’s no doubt that ‘Sir’ is well placed on his shoulders.

Jennie Gow said (via The Fast and The Curious podcast)

Apart from this, Hamilton has been proactively working for the Mission 44 initiative. He held a fundraiser dinner for the campaign in London and is expected to continue on his journey to increase the availability of motorsports to every child.

Fred Vassuer reveals plans for Lewis Hamilton ahead of his arrival at Ferrari

On the other hand, only three races remain before Lewis Hamilton leaves Mercedes for Ferrari. Though it would be an emotional farewell for the 39-year-old, he should be excited to move to Maranello where preparations for his arrival have already started.

Ferrari's Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton
Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Subsequently, Ferrari team principal Fred Vassuer elaborated on how the Brit would be made to be at ease with the Italian squad. Hamilton is set to be given a run in SF-75, the 2022 car, to help him understand the intricacies of the platform of Ferrari F1 cars.

I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatisation. He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon. We’ll have one or two TPC days, plus the test in Bahrain, and that will be enough.

Fred Vassuer said (via Autosport)

Fans are ecstatic to see Hamilton rep up the red outfit in Bahrain as the 2022 car run is understood to be done in private settings in Fiorano. The testing day in Bahrain could be a packed affair as it will be the Brit’s first public outing on the track for Ferrari.