Lewis Hamilton has won his seventh world title. The environment, human rights, animals: a biography of the only Black driver in Formula 1 history.
"This year, what drove me wasn't just my desire to win on the track, but also the will to make this sport, and this world, more inclusive." That is how Lewis Hamilton, one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, commented on his first place at the Turkish Grand Prix, which allowed him to win his seventh world championship. "Equalling Michael Schumacher's record puts the spotlight on me, but I know it won't last long. So, while I can, I'm asking you to do your part to help create a fairer society. We need to be more tolerant and kinder towards one another. Let's make sure that opportunities don't depend on your background or the colour of your skin. Nothing is impossible. Many people told me I would never achieve my dream, and yet here I am. I want you to know that you can do the same." A powerful message, which sums up in a few words who Lewis Hamilton is: a lover of racing and of the environment, a defender of human rights and of animal rights, a passionate vegan cook and advocate of sustainable fashion.
Hamilton was born in England in 1985. His paternal family comes from Central America, more precisely from the state of Grenada, in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea. His parents separated when he was just two years old, but he adored spending time with his father, especially when they went to go-kart tracks together. His father did everything he could to support his son's passion. He held four different jobs and would stay up for hours at night in the garage repairing old karts. It is partly thanks to him that at the age of ten Lewis Hamilton won his first national championship. He even had the good fortune of meeting the founder and president of McLaren, Ron Dennis. A meeting that changed his life: just two years later he signed a contract with the British team, and from that moment on he did nothing but string together one success after another. He made his Formula 1 debut in 2007. The very next year, at just 23 years old, he claimed his first championship victory, with Ron Dennis as team principal.
He won his other six Grand Prix championships in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 with Mercedes. Hamilton is also the driver who can boast the most victories (94 from 263 races), podiums (163) and pole positions (97) in the history of the competition. He also holds the distinction of being the only Black driver: although some believe this title belongs to Prince Bira, the latter was originally from Thailand.
Precisely because of his origins, Lewis Hamilton has become a spokesperson for the Black Lives Matter movement, which fights for the civil rights of people of colour. Following the deaths in the United States of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, African Americans killed by police that year, the driver appeared at several races wearing T-shirts bearing messages against racism. "One day I hope we will all be looked at in the same way," the champion revealed, also taking the knee on the track in honour of the victims. "It doesn't matter if you prefer to remain standing, but we need to show the world that Formula 1 is united in its commitment to equality and inclusion. We need to do more. There is no quick fix for racial discrimination, but it is certainly something we cannot ignore. We need to stay focused, keep shining a light on the problems and make sure we can count on those who hold power." Even though some believe politics should not enter sport, Hamilton feels that the Black Lives Matter issue goes far beyond that, because it concerns human rights. He wants to use the fact that Formula 1 is followed by people of different nationalities and cultures to send them positive messages.
Hamilton also supported the protests — predominantly by young people — that in October set Nigeria alight against the Sars, a special police unit accused of brutality and torture, abuse of power and human rights violations. The violent suppression of the demonstrations claimed dozens of lives.
"We are Formula 1 drivers. Our environmental impact is certainly greater than that of the average citizen living in the same city as us. But that doesn't mean we should be afraid to use our voice to speak about things that can bring about positive change."
Hamilton has been criticised on numerous occasions, especially on social media, for what many describe as "hypocrisy," given that he says he wants to protect the environment despite his work and lifestyle being considered anything but sustainable. "Racing is my passion, and for the moment I have no intention of stopping," the champion stated candidly. It must be said that he is making a great deal of effort: he is vegan, he has decided to eliminate plastic both at the office and at home, and whenever he can he goes to pick up litter on the beach. He sold his private jet and tries to fly less throughout the year, always offsetting the emissions produced. He drives only hybrid or electric Mercedes. His team has pledged to become carbon neutral by the end of this year, while Formula 1 — which, as Hamilton points out, has already changed enormously over time, with cars now using a third of the fuel compared with the past — will do so by 2030.
The driver, who has praised young climate activists such as Greta Thunberg, Jamie Margolin and Alexandria Villaseñor, is also active on the sustainable fashion front. He worked together with designer Tommy Hilfiger to create the brand's greenest collection, rich in organic or recycled fabrics, vegan leather and 100 per cent sustainable cotton. The line created by Hamilton is based on the idea of making garments for everyone, regardless of gender, age, body type or ethnicity. The value of diversity also finds expression on the catwalk.
The British driver loves animals: as mentioned earlier, he has been vegan since 2017, a choice he also considers beneficial for health and for the environment; he condemns intensive farming, which he describes as "a cruelty"; he has invested in a restaurant in London that offers plant-based dishes; and he has a bulldog named Roscoe who can boast nearly 250,000 followers on Instagram.
The Oipa (Organizzazione internazionale protezione animali) congratulated Hamilton on his latest victory in Turkey, recalling some of the causes he has championed: not only did he donate half a million dollars for the care of kangaroos and koalas affected by the Australian bushfires, but he also launched an appeal to bring about the closure of bullfighting schools and put an end to bullfighting.
"I always try to understand in which areas I can act to improve my impact on society. I'm learning little by little — it's a process that takes time, it's not something you can resolve overnight," Hamilton explained, as he invites everyone to try to make a difference before throwing in the towel and believing that all is lost, that it's already too late to change things. True, this young man is no saint. But what if he could teach us that everyone — absolutely everyone — can still contribute to protecting the planet? It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter where you come from, how much you earn, or what your passions are. And it doesn't matter that you're perfect. Even if you make mistakes, even if you need a little time, you are what the world needs.