Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on ‘Shut up and Drive’ Claims over Activism Role

Lewis Hamilton hit back at critics for wanting him to stop addressing important issues in F1.

Lewis Hamilton Breaks Silence on ‘Shut up and Drive’ Claims over Activism Role

Lewis Hamilton (via Getty)

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Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest sporting personalities in the world. The seven-time world champion enjoys one of the most passionate groups of fans. In recent years, Hamilton has utilised his platform to speak on important issues, something that has drawn criticism from many. Now, the 40-year-old has finally responded to such hate.

The British driver has been vocal about his early career struggles, having been subject to racism as a kid. Lewis Hamilton has been working extensively to help underserved communities get more opportunities in motorsport with his initiative, Mission 44. Moreover, the seven-time world champion has even shown solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during races in the Middle East, where being homosexual is a crime.

Hamilton’s actions usually have a positive impact, with millions of fans rallying behind him. However, there are some who are fed up with the F1 star and demand him to simply focus on his racing.

Lewis Hamilton pointed out that Formula 1 still remains a predominantly white sport with a real lack of diversity. This is something that he wants to change by providing more opportunities. The Ferrari driver addressed the fact that people want him to ‘shut up and drive’. However, the F1 star made it clear that he can do things while racing, be it meeting the UK prime minister or meeting other important individuals.

There is still a significant lack of diversity in the paddock. and many things still need to change in our sport… Today, we need to create more access and more opportunities… I think that’s my role; I can get into the right rooms. Sometimes people tell me, ‘Shut up and drive.’ But that’s not me. I drive, yes, but I also do more. I can meet with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom or even a president if necessary. I can enter important rooms and have difficult conversations. That’s just how I am, and that’s how I’ll continue to be.

Lewis Hamilton told RTBF

Lewis Hamilton raises alarm over F1 employee salaries

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. F1 drivers are some of the highest paid athletes globally, with Lewis Hamilton earning $60 million at Ferrari each season. However, according to the seven-time world champion, not all employees are getting higher salaries.

Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari garage (via Scuderia Ferrari)

The Ferrari star claimed that in the past few years, Formula 1’s revenue had increased multifold to over £3 billion or $4 billion. Yet, most staff at teams had not seen such a rise in their paycheck. While it is true that F1 teams are earning a lot more than they used to in the past, the sport’s cost cap that came into effect in 2021 restricts overall spending of teams. Only the salaries of the drivers and top three earners of a team are excluded from the cap. Thus, teams cannot give big hikes to their other members.

F1 has grown enormously, with revenues skyrocketing from £700 million to over £3 billion. This growth is not reflected in all employees’ salaries, which have not kept pace with the business.

Lewis Hamilton added

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton understands the importance of talking in F1. The 40-year-old knows that he must continue to speak out on issues which the paddock seemingly doesn’t pay attention to. The seven-time world champion might be having a difficult period on-track, yet, he remains undeterred when it comes to improving the sport off-track.

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