Lewis Hamilton has vowed to continue his diversity and inclusion initiatives despite American president Donald Trump’s attacks on such programmes.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion, who joined Ferrari this year after leaving Mercedes, remains committed to promoting diversity in motorsport.
Trump has cancelled government diversity initiatives and pressured American businesses to do the same since returning to the presidency last month.
Hamilton, who has a residence in Colorado, is undeterred by the political pressure.
Lewis Hamilton has vowed to continue his diversity and inclusion initiatives despite American president Donald Trump’s attacks on such programmes
REUTERS
The 40-year-old admitted that racist incidents involving Italian football players had crossed his mind when considering his move to Ferrari.
“I’m not going to lie, it definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision,” he said.
However, the British driver remains optimistic about his reception in Italy.
“Like in so many things, it’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. I don’t think that it’s going to be a problem.”
Five years ago, Hamilton launched The Hamilton Commission to promote diversity in British motorsport.
Donald Trump has no interest in diversity or inclusion programmes
REUTERS
The F1 star told Time magazine he was pleased with the progress made at Mercedes.
“I did think, oh my god, I’ve finally got a more diverse working environment that we’ve built over time,” Hamilton said.
His move to Ferrari represents a fresh challenge in this regard.
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“And now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”
Hamilton dismissed criticism from former F1 figures like Eddie Jordan and Flavio Briatore about his move to Ferrari.
“I’ve always welcomed the negativity,” Hamilton said. “I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.
“How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”
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Hamilton remains resolute in continuing his diversity work despite political headwinds.
“I’m not going to change what he does, or the government does,” he said. “All I can do is try to make sure that in my space, in my environment, I’m trying to elevate people.
“I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different.
“There’s going to be forces along the way that don’t want that, for whatever reason I can’t fathom. That doesn’t stop me.”
Lewis Hamilton is gunning for a record eighth World Championship at Ferrari
Reuters
Hamilton is confident he can continue to race competitively past his 40th birthday.
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” said Hamilton. “I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.”
“You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula 1 driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.
“I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning.”