Lewis Hamilton – making a stand against inequality and racism

On-track, as a modern-day figurehead and naturally, when you take numbers into consideration, Hamilton is head and shoulders above his peers. His six world titles, 84 career wins and 88 podiums mark him out in his field in this regard. But off-track, now that's a different story. Hamilton's transformation over the years has been a remarkable one to witness.

Obviously, such progress has come with maturity and understanding, an appreciation of not only the world around him but of his position within it. Hamilton has recognised not just his standing as an inspiring sporting figure, hewn from a humble background and powered by a father who once held down three jobs to fund the early years of his son's karting ambitions. But primarily he has been made acutely aware of the colour of his skin, that he stands almost alone in what is a white-dominated sport.

Sadly, Hamilton has been subjected to the abhorrence of racism over the years, all too often turning a blind eye and carefully choosing his words in response so as not to add fuel to a fire.

Yes, he has had his faux pas moments, never more so than in May 2011 following the Monaco Grand Prix when, after being penalised twice by the stewards en route to finishing sixth, he infamously quipped: “Maybe it's cos I'm black. That's what Ali G says.”

Hamilton was forced to apologise for his words, for a rare moment when he suggested – joke or otherwise – that being a black person had played a part in a sequence of events that had worked against him on track. It was a low moment, but one he has evolved from, evidenced by the fact that nine years on he has delivered powerful messages of late in the wake of the shocking death of George Floyd in the US.

Hamilton recently conceded to enduring a “struggle with social media because I've got this incredible following. I never, ever thought I would have this many people following me”.  He has 16.4 million followers on Instagram and 5.7 million on Twitter. He is acutely aware of the reach of a single post, and the reaction it can likely garner.

Hamilton, though, could not shy away of late from speaking his mind on a subject that has sparked global condemnation. The 35-year-old, as mentioned earlier, in recognising his position, initially turned on the silence from within F1 that appalled him, criticising “the biggest of stars” staying quiet “in the midst of injustice”.

“Not a sign from anybody in my industry which is a white-dominated sport,” remarked Hamilton. “I'm one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.

“I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are and I see you.”

The reaction that followed was remarkable as a number of drivers, while not referencing Hamilton in their own messages – but it was clear the Briton was the catalyst – spoke out as the outrage towards the incident in Minneapolis spread like wildfire around the world.

Even Mercedes and F1 itself, quite remarkably given such companies have in the past chosen never to mix sport with politics, came out with missives, making a stand against racism and inequality.

Hamilton's second post two days later was even more striking, describing his past week as “so dark”, before adding: “I have failed to keep hold of my emotions. I have felt so much anger, sadness and disbelief in what my eyes have seen.

“I am completely overcome with rage at the sight of such blatant disregard for the lives of our people. The injustice that we are seeing our brothers and sisters face all over the world time and time again is disgusting and MUST stop.

“So many people seem surprised, but to us, unfortunately, it is not surprising. Those of us who are black, brown or in between, see it every day and should not have to feel as though we were born guilty, don’t belong, or fear for our lives based on the colour of our skin.” Powerful stuff!

Even Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff revealed his eyes have been opened by Hamilton, and applauding him for issuing his considered words of condemnation.

“I have learned a lot from him,” said Wolff. “He asked the question once 'Have you ever had the active thought that you are white?'

“And I said 'No, actually I've never thought about it'. He said 'Well, I have to think about it [being black] every day because I have been made aware that I am'.

“It's therefore very difficult for us to comprehend how difficult it is, and therefore I am happy and supportive that he has come out vocal.”

Of course, there are still critics, those suggesting Hamilton should stick to racing, that it is not his place to be so outspoken. In modern, free-thinking society they are entitled to their opinion, of course.

But there are times when people in the public eye, from whatever field, be it sport, music, film, because they are admired and looked up to by so many, need to show a form of leadership, to express a valid opinion in the hope that, given their standing, they can make a difference, no matter how small.

Throughout his career, Hamilton has, in the words of Quincy Adams, without a doubt inspired others to dream more, learn more, do more, become more. In many respects, he is a leader of his time.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.