Former NASCAR driver and the first African-American to test an F1 car, Willy T Ribbs thinks that Lewis Hamilton has the same mould as Muhammad Ali.
Ali, a legendary boxer who changed his name from Cassius Clay – which he referred to as a ‘slave name’ – to Muhammad Ali after converting to the nation of Islam movement in the 1960s is known for his outspoken approach on matters, philanthropic works and fearlessness.
Ribbs believes that the 7-time world champion has the same qualities as Ali and that the Briton should be proud of himself.
This came after Hamilton and the other drivers on the grid took a knee wearing an ‘end racism’ t-shirt following the killing of George Floyd in 2020.
Lewis Hamilton and Muhammed Ali are in the same mould
In an exclusive interview with The Race, Ribbs explained that history tells Ali was the greatest sportsman ever and no one will ever be as big as him.
And just like Ali, Hamilton also has always stood for what is right. The Briton has used his social image as a platform to view his opinions on social and political matters.
“Ali wasn’t afraid. Well, Lewis is in that same mould,” said Ribbs.
Following the drivers’ stand for ending racism, Ribbs said that he is proud of those boys who are following Lewis’ lead.
Boxer Ali was Hamilton’s inspiration
Almost a week after the legendary boxer passed away in 2016, Hamilton won the Canadian GP and said, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, that was for Muhammad Ali” on the team radio.
Hamilton has named Ali as his inspiration numerous times. The Briton even has a tattoo of Ali on his right calf.
He believes that Ali was the greatest sporting icon ever and he risked everything for what he believed.
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