Lewis Hamilton recalls hearing he can’t race in F1 due to no black drivers on the grid
Lewis Hamilton recalled how a majority of the people doubted his survival in Formula 1 due to there being no black drivers on the grid.
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Lewis Hamilton (via Formula 1)
Lewis Hamilton remains the first and only Black driver in Formula 1’s history, a legacy stretching back to the sport’s inception in 1950. Despite over 74 years of competing at the pinnacle, the sport still struggles with inclusivity and representation. Hamilton recounted the challenges he faced before joining the paddock in 2007 where he wasn’t confident enough to race due to the lack of people of color.
Lewis Hamilton recalled that there were multiple struggles and challenges along the way of him joining Formula 1. The seven-time world champion pointed out that multiple people and other drivers’ parents doubted the former’s entry on the grid. This was because there was no black driver on the grid, so Hamilton couldn’t survive in the sport according to them.
There were so many problems along the way, it was really challenging. – There were many people, even parents of other racing drivers, that said there’s no way you’re ever going to be a Formula 1 driver, there’s no way you’re going to be there because there’s no other black people there.
Lewis Hamilton said in an interview
The struggles that Hamilton faced throughout his career helped him shape into the amazing personality he is today. The Briton has opened up a philanthropic venture named Mission 44 where he provides underprivileged black kids with an opportunity to work in motorsports. Moreover, the 39-year-old actively advocates for minority communities and speaks out against the challenges faced by them.
#F1 | Lewis Hamilton talks about the challenges he faced during his journey into Formula 1 and what fuelled him to start Mission 44:
— deni (@fiagirly) November 9, 2024
“There were so many problems along the way, it was really challenging. – there were many people, even parents of other racing drivers, that said… pic.twitter.com/xH1w9FEZtV
Lewis Hamilton claimed school was the ‘worst period’ for him
Being a black person is extremely challenging due to the continuous racism around common places such as schools, parks, etc. Lewis Hamilton recalled that he too faced such issues during his schooling phase which caused him a lot of trouble. Hamilton’s teachers were the ones who used to demotivate him especially due to his skin color. As a result, the 39-year-old claimed that schooling was the worst period in his life.
There was even teachers that told me there’s no way you’re ever gonna succeed, you’re never gonna achieve nothing and it was a very gruelling time. Schooling was the worst period of time for me.
Lewis Hamilton added
Hamilton will continue to work hard towards improving inclusivity and equality in the sport as Formula 1 continues to be dominated by the English people. The Briton does not hesitate to call out the sport on the wrong decisions and has also risen up and spoken strictly against such claims. Hence, due to the continuous efforts of the Brit and others, the sport continues to become better.
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Aditya Pandya
(1439 Articles Published)