Lewis Hamilton’s off-track role
Throughout his lengthy Formula 1 career, Lewis Hamilton has transcended his sport in terms of popularity and recognition. The Englishman has been known and admired even by those who were not major motorsport fans, using his global fame to champion many noble causes off the track. Mercedes has consistently supported Hamilton’s efforts, particularly since 2020, and intends to continue along this path even now that #44 has moved to Maranello.
This commitment was confirmed by Brackley team principal Toto Wolff, who spoke to Channel 4, emphasizing Lewis Hamilton’s fundamental role in making Mercedes a more inclusive team attentive to issues of discrimination: “[Hamilton] is a global phenomenon and has certainly played a role in positioning the Mercedes brand in a bolder, more contemporary way,” Toto Wolff said.
No turning back
“He had a huge impact on the team in terms of diversity,” the Austrian manager continued, “and today, a large part of our team comes from underrepresented groups. This will make us stronger because it brings diverse cultures, perceptions, and perspectives. He made us kneel when we needed to, helped us make the car black, and it will remain black. We won’t go back from there.”
This refers to Lewis Hamilton’s staunch fight against racism during the 2020 F1 season when he led many drivers in kneeling on the starting grid as a protest against violence faced by African American communities in the United States and worldwide. It was also Lewis Hamilton who encouraged the Mercedes team to change the car’s color from silver to black for that season. This choice has been carried forward in subsequent years and appears set to continue despite the departure of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion to Ferrari.
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