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“You Don’t See a Lot of Diversity Still”: Lewis Hamilton on Challenges of Being a Black F1 Driver

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Sao Paulo - 31-10-2024, Interlagos Circuit, Lewis Hamilton at the Formula 1 Brazil Grand Prix 2024 Thursday

An advocate for racial equality in F1 and beyond, Lewis Hamilton has stirred the needle since making his debut in the sport 17 years ago. A lot has changed since then, and Hamilton has been at the forefront of most of it. However, he isn’t satisfied and wants to see more.

The seven-time world champion answered questions from kids in a recent promotional segment. Chloe asked him how he felt about being the first black driver on the grid, and Hamilton took a trip down memory lane to recall how he felt when he was a child.

“I think when I was younger, it’s something you notice a lot because you’re the only person of color there, and it is something I’m reminded of pretty much every time I arrive at a Grand Prix track, where you don’t see a lot of diversity still,” Hamilton said in a Mercedes YouTube video.

Hamilton, for a long time, saw very few black people work in F1. He worked hard to change that, and it has opened new doors of opportunity for several people.

In 2021, he launched the Hamilton Commission to increase the representation of the black community in UK motorsports by creating more opportunities in STEM fields. Off the track, Hamilton is highly active in the fashion community, working to promote emerging Black designers who have been previously underrepresented.

At 39, Hamilton is one of F1’s most experienced and successful drivers. Hamilton remains the only black driver in F1, with no talented star close to changing that in the near future.

Based on his comments about the ongoing lack of diversity, it’s clear that the sport still has a long way to go before he’s truly satisfied.

Post Edited By:Aishwary Gaonkar

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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