More than 92

Hamilton triumphs

In the midst of unprecedented circumstances with the coronavirus devastating areas around the world, along with several other issues pertaining to social justice and politics revealing their ugliest nature, British racing icon Lewis Hamilton has managed to reach the magic number: 92. It is an astonishing record 92 Formula 1 (F1) wins for the only black driver in the history of the sport, who surpassed F1 legend Michael Schumacher’s former record after crossing the finish line on the 66th and final lap of the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix. Hamilton, who grew up in Stevenage, a town about 30 miles north of London, has written his name in the history books. Yet, all while reaching the peak of the sport, he has not forgotten about the overarching issues haunting the world off of the racetrack. Rather, he has represented a voice for change and activism, fighting for what is right and displaying true character and exemplary qualities.

Won but not done

On that historic, cloudy October day in Portugal at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Hamilton sped past Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas on Lap 20 and never looked back. As he cruised through the final lap with a sizable lead over the rest of the pack, he rounded the ultimate turn and all that separated his vehicle and the finish line from arriving at unparalleled glory was one more straightaway. Sure enough, Hamilton coasted comfortably to the finish line to secure the almighty all-time wins record. It had been coming; it was only a matter of time. Even with all the focus it requires to achieve such a feat, it has been evident that Hamilton has also had his mind on more substantial matters. This of course includes the coronavirus pandemic. Though Hamilton rounded that final turn and crossed the finish line to bring his pursuit of the record to a victorious halt, he has evidently had his mind on the overarching global health crisis. On October 28, a record 500,000 new infections in the U.S. were reported over the prior week and 20 states recorded their highest seven-day averages, per The New York Times (Ismay & Tomkins). Additionally, nations such as France, Italy, and Germany, among others, have been experiencing significant rises as of October 28 (Breeden et al.). If you explore Lewis Hamilton’s twitter page, you will find several images of him wearing a mask and wishing people wellness and safety. An example of this is a picture of a masked Hamilton and his dog with the caption, “Roscoe and I are staying safe, I hope you are too.” It sure is great to see someone of Hamilton's stature utilizing his platform to spread positive messages.

Race: On and Off the Track

Hamilton embodies a role model when it comes to the movement towards racial equality as well. According to a CNN article that touches on Hamilton’s voice off of the racetrack, the black F1 driver has suffered from racist abuse throughout his life (Lewis). Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told media members just over a year ago that Hamilton “carried permanent scars from the racist abuse he experienced in karting” when he was younger (Lewis). Additionally, in 2008, during Hamilton’s early years of F1 while still with McLaren, he suffered racist abuse during a test session in Spain (Lewis). Hamilton has expressed his disappointment in the lack of discussion and action regarding diversifying the sport and addressing racial abuse towards him (Lewis). In 2018, a distraught Hamilton said that “nothing has changed” since he joined the sport in 2007 (Lewis). Recently, he launched The Hamilton Commission, which is aimed at improving diversity in the motorsport industry (Galloway). Hamilton has been an outspoken advocate for Black Lives Matter, pushing for change and equality. Aimee Lewis of CNN argues that no world champion in F1 history “has used his stature like Hamliton” and that no one else in the sport has really “stood up against injustice and tried to help sweep down the walls of oppression” (Lewis). Over these past several months, Hamilton has demonstrated this notion by speaking out about the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, attending a peaceful protest in London, wearing a “Black Lives Matter” mask, unveiling an all-black Mercedes race car in support of Black Lives Matter, and plainly speaking up about the ongoing issue of racism (Lewis). Hamilton was also seen kneeling ahead of the race at the Austrian Grand Prix in July as an act against racism (Saunders). In an interview following the event, he was respectful of those who did not kneel and “grateful” for those who did, calling it “a really powerful message” (Saunders). Ahead of the Tuscan Grand Prix in September, Hamilton appeared in a shirt that on the front read “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” and on the back had the words “Say her name” along with Taylor’s picture (Saunders). With all of this awareness, outspokenness, and action, Hamilton has not only become one of the most well-known sportsmen in the world, but also a leading voice in the fight for social justice. Bubba Wallace, the only black driver at NASCAR’s top level wrote an article for Time Magazine, expressing his admiration of Hamilton. Wallace states that the activism of his F1 counterpart has “moved the world” and “has brought international attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, through his advocacy on social media and at F1 events” (100-101). Wallace marvels at Hamilton’s ability to “capitalize on every opportunity to use his platform to drive out racism” and calls it “more than just a model for race-car drivers and other athletes,” but rather an exemplary model for everyone (101). Indeed, Hamilton’s efforts to influence positive change should be applauded. They are certainly immensely impactful due to his high status and substantial public following. It is crucial that the world has figures like Hamilton. Yes, he is an athlete, a historically great one at that; but his voice is valid, powerful, and able to affect change. He epitomizes what it means to be a role model, someone that people can look up to, by what he does off the track in addition to on it.

Sharing the love

After crossing the finish line in Portugal under the dreary sky on an otherwise euphoric day, Hamilton made sure to give props to the other crew members at Mercedes. Modestly, he refused to take all the credit as he acknowledged that his achievements were not solely his doing. In a tweet following the victory, Hamilton wrote the following: “NINETY TWO WINS. Today is beyond my wildest dreams. I couldn’t be here today without my team, continuously innovating and pushing the barrier in this game. I’m so grateful to have you guys by my side through this journey…” He proceeded in another tweet to say what a “privilege” it is to work with his team and thanked them for their efforts and belief in him. The British racing icon also conveyed his appreciation for his adversaries. In a tweet directed towards the legend whose record he broke, Hamilton wrote, “I’m thinking of Michael today, I will forever have the utmost admiration and respect for you, it’s truly been an honour to be mentioned in the same sentence as you…” In addition to that he would tweet a thank-you to the multiple “legends before” him for paving the way. Hamilton, through such words and actions, illustrates another fine quality that is his humility. Another fascinating aspect of Hamilton is his number 44. Usually, the reigning F1 champion sports the number 1, however Hamilton has maintained 44. The number came from his father’s car registration number and he has utilized it since his karting days (Delaney). Despite being number one, he has not changed his number to reflect that. Throughout his career as a sportsman, Hamilton has shown that he is respectful of his adversaries, appreciative of his team staff, and an overall humble winner.

Leading by Example

Every single time Lewis Hamilton puts on that uniform, he understands that he represents Mercedes, but he also symbolizes an idol, someone who people both inside and outside the sport can look up to. Times like these are when voices such as his are so potent and inspiring. Hamilton reached the finish line for that exceptional number 92, but he realizes that there are turns that have not been rounded thus far when it comes to the coronavirus and racism. With his platform, and by means of both the subtle ways and the more overt ways in which he expresses himself, he progresses in his attempt to drive global change. The way that Hamilton has taken initiative and led by example both on and off the racetrack is quite commendable.

Works Cited

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Saunders, Nate. “Lewis Hamilton: I Didn't Insist F1 Drivers Had to Kneel in Austria.” ESPN,

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