“I can’t stay quiet. I need to speak out,” Lewis Hamilton stands strong against racism

“I can’t stay quiet. I need to speak out,” Lewis Hamilton stands strong against racism

Lewis Hamilton taking a knee against racism

The seven-time world champion and the Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, became the first black driver in Formula 1 when he signed for McLaren in 2007. And, even as the driver would be stepping on the grid in his 16th year in F1, there hasn’t been another black driver.

Lewis is one of the very few drivers and celebrities who uses his voice and influence to bring about a good change in society. In the past, he has advocated for Human Rights, Animal, and environmental rights as well, and continues to do so.

The diversity in motorsport has always been an issue of concern, as highlighted by the example of Lewis Hamilton himself. The British driver has been very vocal about the lack of diversity. Hamilton in an interview with SkySports, said, “Things haven’t been fixed; we’ve got to fix it. It’s all well and good the sport talking about end racism, about diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and all these things, but we’ve got to make sure we’re actually following through with these things. That takes lots of conversation.”

Lewis Hamilton’s recent support for the anti-racism movement

Lance Stroll, Lewis Hamilton
Lance Stroll, Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton, in the past, has taken the knee, started a conversation within the sporting community, and is truly on his way to fulfilling his ‘purpose’.

The driver has previously said, “It’s like my new drive and I feel like it’s giving me more longevity because it’s a lot of work we have to do. I feel like it also gives my life real purpose. Racing is not a purpose, it’s something you do.”

Recently, Hamilton took a stance against racism and acknowledged the ongoing struggles of the community, saying, “I thought, ‘I can’t stay quiet. I need to speak out because there are people experiencing what I’m experiencing, or 10 times worse.’ And so when I did speak out, that was me letting the Black community know: ‘I hear you and I stand with you.”

Hamilton is more than a driver and truly an ideal for many. The driver’s actions are towards making the world a better place for all. Here’s a clip from the Netflix show Drive to Survive, where he talks about his struggles due to racism:

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