How Lewis Hamilton challenged the status quo in a white man’s sport

Lewis Hamilton turns 39 today. The British driver has achieved historic success in the motorsport world. Today, Hamilton is statistically the most successful driver in F1 history. However, it was not an easy journey for the Mercedes driver. Formula 1 has undoubtedly been a white sport. Throughout its long history, the F1 grid witnessed white men making history with a severe lack of diversity. Although, the seven-time world champion changed the status quo.

It is no surprise that Hamilton faced discrimination since his childhood. The Mercedes driver has been vocal about the racism he suffered from during his junior days. However, throughout such times, Lewis Hamilton and his father Anthony stayed resilient. The Briton decided to do his talking on-track with his incredible pace which silenced all his critics.

Thus, Hamilton remained unfazed during his junior days as he bagged championships, be it the Formula Renault UK title in 2003 or the 2005 Formula 3 Euro Series victory. Ultimately, the seven-time world champion had the backing of Ron Dennis and McLaren which allowed him to make his F1 debut after he won the 2006 GP2 championship.

From his debut season, Lewis Hamilton was right on the pace. The British driver astonished reigning world champion Fernando Alonso as his teammate. The two McLaren drivers went head-to-head for the championship. With Alonso leaving the team the following year due to rising tensions. Certainly, the Spanish driver was not prepared to have a rookie push him to the limit.

Lewis Hamilton was the first black driver to race in F1

Motorsport has remained a white man’s affair. Throughout history, there have been sparse opportunities for people of color and women to take part in the world of racing. So much so, it took F1 over 50 years before getting its first black driver in the form of Lewis Hamilton in 2007. However, the 39-year-old managed to prove himself as one of the most talented drivers in recent history when he won the 2008 F1 world title.

Hamilton remained a force to be reckoned with in the following years. However, McLaren simply couldn’t compete with Red Bull. Subsequently, the Briton moved to Mercedes in 2013. This was perhaps the best decision of his career. Lewis Hamilton dominated the pinnacle of motorsport between 2014 and 2020, winning six titles in seven years.

The seven-time world champion has won over 100 races in Formula 1 with a dozen records under his belt. The 39-year-old matches Michael Schumacher for the most F1 championships. However, the Briton remains eager to become the first driver to win eight F1 world titles.

The sheer brilliance of the 39-year-old was noticed across the world. No one has been able to ignore the legacy of Lewis Hamilton. In December 2021, Hamilton received his knighthood from the then-Prince of Wales.

Lewis Hamilton still faces racist comments

Certainly, the British driver has made his dream come true. Hamilton has continued to face backlash in the F1 paddock and on social media. However, the seven-time world champion has a thick skin and as such he remains unaffected by these remarks.

Last year, former F1 champion Nelson Piquet Sr. allegedly made some racist and homophobic comments about Hamilton. The 39-year-old remained undeterred. Nevertheless, the seven-time world champion was disappointed to hear such archaic remarks made by an F1 champion.

It is clear that the Mercedes driver has challenged the status quo in F1. Hamilton has been vocal about racism on and off the track. The 39-year-old was at the forefront of raising awareness against racism in 2020 after the death of George Flyod. The Briton took a knee during national anthems in F1 weekends and was supported by his peers such as Sebastian Vettel.

Many were furious over Hamilton’s actions to support the Black Lives Matter protest in F1 weekends. However, the 39-year-old made it clear that he would continue to raise his voice. Lewis Hamilton understood the importance of his position as a public figure and wanted to help fight for change. NASCAR’s Bubba Wallace took a similar stance during this time as well.

Lewis Hamilton aims to empower underserved communities

Lewis Hamilton wants to change the status quo right from the grassroots. The 39-year-old is aware of the current state of various communities that remain underserved. Hamilton wants to ensure that the youth from such backgrounds can get opportunities to get further in life.

Hamilton established Mission44 in 2021 and invested £20 million or $25 million. The seven-time world champion aims to ensure that no child would be forced to suffer just because of their background. Moreover, Lewis Hamilton has even called for diversity in the world of Formula 1.

The seven-time world champion founded The Hamilton Commission after the 2019 F1 season. The 39-year-old was shocked to see the lack of diversity in the Mercedes F1 team group photo. Subsequently, The Hamilton Commission has worked with The Royal Academy of Engineering to provide more opportunities to black communities in motorsport as well as STEM.

Lewis Hamilton will be remembered as an F1 icon

The British driver shocked the sporting world when he made his F1 debut. Not only did Hamilton become the first black driver in F1. But the 39-year-old came close to winning the championship in his rookie season. Over the years, Lewis Hamilton solidified himself as an all-time F1 great.

Moreover, the 39-year-old has had the courage to talk about racism. Lewis Hamilton has not been afraid of critics throughout his life which serves as an inspiration to millions of young minds across the world. Hamilton has often told his fans to make their dreams possible. Certainly, in the years to come, the Mercedes driver would be remembered not only as one of the best F1 drivers of all time. But even as a person who did not back down, a person who chased his dreams and silenced his critics with his performance. And of course, a person who was not afraid of raising his voice and fighting for what he deserved.

Millions of fans look up to the seven-time world champion as his role model. With thousands of young individuals getting opportunities to progress in their lives courtesy of Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the world of motorsport.

In case you missed it:

• Lewis Hamilton girlfriend: Who’s Mercedes F1 ace current Girlfriend?
• Lewis Hamilton’s Car Collection: Seven cars inside 7-time F1 Champion’s Garage

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