“What He Stands for…”: NASCAR Driver Tyler Reddick Explains Why He Considers Lewis Hamilton as One of His Idols

NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick has recently named seven-time F1 Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton as one of his role models. His other role models include legendary NASCAR drivers Steve Kinser and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reddick made this revelation during a recent interaction on AMA with Tyler.

After naming his three role models, Reddick went on to express his love for F1 and especially Hamilton by stating, “I have really grown to love F1. I really love watching that sport. So I really have latched on to what Lewis Hamilton does and what he speaks for, what he stands for, and what he does on the race track“.

Who have been mentors in your life?? These are a few people that I have looked up to throughout my life!! #TylerReddick #Mentors #Nascar pic.twitter.com/8UoFnDwD2Q

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) May 19, 2023

Hamilton is a role model for many across the world, not only because of his success in F1 but also because he speaks out on causes that are pertinent to the sport. The 38-year-old has often voiced his concerns regarding the lack of social diversity in F1, among several other causes.

Lewis Hamilton considered himself a ‘lone ranger’ in F1

While speaking in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this year, Lewis Hamilton explained how he felt like a ‘lone ranger’ in F1 as he was the only Black driver in the sport. The 38-year-old referred to his early years in the sport as a very “difficult, narrow, and very lonely path to walk“.

Since he found himself alone in F1 for so long, Hamilton added that he felt it was his responsibility to become a representative for everyone “who feel they don’t have a voice“. He added that while it would be his dream to see another Black driver in F1 in the future, even having more jobs for a diverse population would be a step in the right direction.

Hamilton added that the “thousand other jobs in the background” should be open to anybody, irrespective of their race or their sex. The 38-year-old then concluded his remarks by stating that he will ensure that in 10 years, significant progress is made when it comes to the diversity of the sport.

Hamilton began Mission 44 to provide more opportunities for underprivileged children

In an interview with UBS earlier this year, Lewis Hamilton explained how his kickstarting Mission 44 was a bigger achievement for him than the seven world championships he has won. The 38-year-old explained in the interview that while he is extremely proud of his F1 accomplishments, he does not believe that there is anything better than giving back to the community.

Since one of Hamilton’s main aims is to tackle the inequalities in society, he believes that Mission 44 will help do exactly that. This is because Mission 44 is an organization that helps to provide opportunities to children that come from underprivileged backgrounds by attempting to educate, employ and empower them.