Hamilton on leaving a legacy: "That’s what I hope to be remembered by"

Lewis Hamilton is a Formula One driver, but in recent years he has also become more and more of an ambassador. The Briton is thinking about his legacy and hopes to use his platform to make the world a little better.

He's back. Hamilton had disappeared from social media for a while after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but at Mercedes' car launch he was back. Alongside the W13, Hamilton of course talked about his absence, but he also mainly looked ahead. As a driver, but also as a standard-bearer of his own convictions.

An example to Mandela

Hamilton has been increasingly outspoken in the fight against racism in recent years. Black Lives Matter is a movement that gets a lot of support from the seven-time world champion, and he also makes the case for an inclusive society. At the car launch, Hamilton spoke to GPblog about these beliefs, among others.

"I think this is something that year on year I get asked about legacy, in the earlier years that was difficult to pinpoint or understand what it meant. I obviously read the books about Nelson Mandela and look at his legacy that he left, and how he used his time on this earth," Hamilton said.

"I’ve been given this opportunity to do what I do, and be great at something. I’ve never wanted to be defined by just a driver. There are so many more elements to who I am. Ultimately, someone that cares, and tries to use the platform to really shift conceptions and put pressure on systems to go in the right direction. To be more inclusive."

Hamilton's legacy

With his own foundation Mission 44, Hamilton works hard to support young people from underrepresented groups in the UK. In addition, his team Mercedes launched the Accelerate 25 program, to ensure that at least 25 percent of employees are from people who come from minority groups.

''We’ve just launched our car, and that’s probably the most diverse group of people you’ve ever seen at a launch. When you’re at shoots you see that now, at the factory you see it. The amazing work we’re doing at Ignite and Mission 44, it’s something I’m proud to be apart of."

Whereas Hamilton didn't know what to do with his legacy early in his career, it's clear to him now. "That’s what I hope to be remembered for. Seeing our sport and the education system work better for lower income families and minorities coming through," the Mercedes driver concludes.