Written by Lewis Hamilton is known by many for the continued success he has achieved in Formula 1 since his debut in 2007 and since then the stevenage born brit has never looked back. He’s managed to achieve the unthinkable and also managed to inspire a generation on his journey and bring smiles on many fans faces world-wide. Hamilton has broken many records in his 15 years driving and continues to break more with his 103 race wins,103 pole starts, most points accumulated in F1 history and also joint highest championships with 7 as he looks to win an eighth.
However, Hamilton will always be remembered for his on-track success but what he’s done off track is something that many drivers and athletes have never managed to do the legacy he will leave behind for those next in line. He’s not just stood up and took a stance on problems we face in society but he’s an athlete that continues to use his platform and his voice to stand up to what he believes in and things that are important to him. There are many obstacles Hamilton has faced not just in formula 1 but throughout his childhood and still to do this day the adversity he continues to beat and the obstacles he overcomes is why he will always be a generational athlete. The 7-time world champion is the only black driver ever to race in F1 and still is to this day, but this wasn’t very different to Hamilton’s karting days where this was the same circumstances. However, this never was a problem for Hamilton, and he relished the chance to overcome adversity and be a pioneer for all young black children who also share the same dream as he did. Hamilton believes he’s always “had a target on his back” being the only black driver across the grid and he’s used this as fight and motivation to achieve more and be the best driver he can be.
The way Hamilton has always carried himself on and off the track is why he’s loved by many so much he’s always been a class act and tribute to the sport. Hamilton continues to tell all he has to sue his platform to create “positive changes” not just in society btu Formula 1. One way Hamilton did this was last season he wore a LGBTQ inspired helmet in THE Qatar grand prix with a message saying, “we stand together”. This was Hamilton using his platform to stand up against same sex rules in Qatar and to raise awareness for such a vital topic in society. The brit also has launched mission 44 a new charitable foundation to support underrepresented groups in the UK. This will focus on increasing representation from diverse backgrounds in studying STEM and engineering subjects in addition to the wider industry. This is just one of many projects Hamilton has got behind or influence in order to give equal opportunities and to play sports and society more diverse.
With all that being said Lewis Hamilton is not only a tremendous driver and athlete but he’s always a pioneer a great role model for all not just with how he’s overcome adversity but how he continues to strive for change.