Lewis Hamilton sees bright and diverse future for changing F1

Seven occasions Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says he’s assured his sport has a brilliant and extra various future however he is not going to take his foot off the accelerator in pushing for change. The Mercedes racer, Formula One’s first Black driver and champion, instructed Reuters Television in an interview that he additionally regarded ahead to extra success with a crew that has dominated the previous seven years.

The Briton is Formula One’s most profitable driver, equalling Ferrari nice Michael Schumacher’s document seven titles and smashing the German’s data for many profession wins, with the Briton now on 94.

“This year there has been this awakening,” mentioned the 35-year-old, who sealed his seventh title, and sixth with Mercedes, after successful in Turkey final weekend.

“Already it has sparked a change but it’s really important that it’s not just symbolism, it’s important that it’s not just words… that we take real action to make change, to make this a more diverse sport.”

Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007, recalled wanting across the Australian Grand Prix paddock in Melbourne at first of final yr and posting photographs on Instagram of the startling lack of range he noticed.

“And then I got to the end of the year and I saw all the photos of all the teams… and there were three or four people of colour within that setting and I remember thinking: ‘How has that not changed at all since I’ve been here?’

“It isn’t a surprise when you think of the people who have led our sport, the comments they’ve come out with this year,” added Hamilton.

“So there’s a lot of learning to do and it’s uncomfortable for some people, the conversation.”

STRONGLY CRITICAL

Hamilton didn’t identify any names however he has been strongly vital this yr of former F1 business supremo Bernie Ecclestone, now 90, for suggesting the game didn’t have an issue with racism.

He has additionally hit again at former champions Mario Andretti and Jackie Stewart, each of their 80s, for his or her reactions to his campaigning stance. [nL3N2ES41M]

Hamilton mentioned the game had gone “leaps and bounds’ in breaking down barriers and opening up a dialogue this year.

“You’ve seen (F1 chairman) Chase Carey putting money towards the movement, we’ve seen the (sport’s governing) FIA doing more. So I think the future’s bright but I’ve got to stay on top of these people,” he added.

“We’ve all got to stay on top to make sure that change really follows.”

Hamilton this yr arrange a fee of consultants to assist enhance the illustration of Black individuals in British motorsport, whereas Formula One has rolled out an anti-racism marketing campaign.

He mentioned that 2020, racing by way of the COVID-19 pandemic, had been “the hardest year for everyone” however the motion for change and utilizing his platform to advertise racial justice and equal rights had been a “great driver in the background.”

“I think the sport’s realised that it has a powerful voice and a place in pushing for better living standards for everyone around the world,” mentioned Hamilton.

“There are some teams that we’re still working on, to try and bring them in and be a part of change and realise that they can do better in their company. But I think I’ve seen lots of change.”

(Writing by Alan Baldwin, modifying by Ken Ferris)