Lewis Hamilton is more than just an athlete. Although his contributions to the racing world are inspiring and groundbreaking, his efforts outside of it are just as remarkable.
When Hamilton took his last lap in Abu Dhabi, it was the final time he would do it with Mercedes after twelve seasons with the team. The British driver joined the team in 2013 after a successful stint with McLaren. While the team is known for being competitive, when Mercedes rejoined the grid in 2010, they weren’t the household name they are now.
Lewis during his last race with Mercedes in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Mercedes Media Centre/Sebastian Kawka.
Hamilton’s decision to move to Mercedes was a shock for many, as the team had only clinched one race win in the three years since they had rejoined the sport. The decision was a risky one, but it proved to be worth it in the end.
Mercedes is an iconic team for many reasons, but Hamilton is one of the sole factors that defined its successful years. Throughout his years with the team, he won six of his seven world titles, breaking records and barriers.
He is considered one of, if not the most, successful Formula 1 driver in history, with 105 race wins, 104 pole positions, and 202 podium finishes, the most of any other driver so far. He has not yet triumphed in the number of his world championships, being tied with another iconic driver, Micheal Schumacher.
Hamilton is once again shocking the sports world by making a huge career switch. In early 2024, he was announced to be parting ways with Mercedes to sign with Ferrari. For many of his fans, this was a bittersweet announcement. While it is exciting to witness him in the scarlet Ferrari, it’s disheartening to know that he won’t be ending his career with the team he accomplished so much with.
Hamilton’s switch to the Italian team opens up a lot of opportunities for him, as he will be able to adapt to a car that might be better suited for him and he will be able to work with the team for the future 2026 regulations. With Charles Leclerc as his teammate, there is a lot to be expected for the 2025 Ferrari line-up.
Hamilton is an inspiration to many, inside and outside of the sports world. One of his most significant contributions was the creation of his foundation, Mission 44. Since its founding in 2021, Mission 44 has become a place to build a more inclusive future for young people.
Lewis at an event at the United States Grand Prix for Mission 44. Courtesy of Mission44.org.
The foundation has managed to raise $6.7 million in grants and has reached over 300 thousand youths through various programs. Mission 44 doesn’t only promote diversity and inclusion, but has actively implemented plans to make an impact.
On top of his work with the charity, he also formed the Hamilton Commission alongside the Royal Academy of Engineering to shed light on the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport. A report was published after extensive research as a way to improve these conditions and give others a clearer understanding of the barriers holding back all communities to improve in motorsports.
In the racing world, Hamilton has also been an advocate for female inclusion in the sport. He is a strong supporter of F1 Academy, an all-female single-seater racing series. The series is designed as a way to get women in the door for more opportunities in the racing world that has been dominated by men since its creation.
Lewis meeting with various F1 Academy drivers during the series’ inaugural season in 2023. Courtesy of Planetf1.com.
He has used his influence and popularity to help those around him who may not have the voice he does. He has advocated for more female engineers in Formula 1 and has voiced his hopes for female drivers in the future. In a sport that has not given women the same opportunities as their male counterparts, Hamilton’s avid support has helped these issues be taken more seriously.
Hamilton’s contributions have made significant changes in the sports community, and his actions have opened up room for conversations to be had on many issues surrounding sports in general. He is more than an athlete or a driver, but a role model for young people and a spokesperson for change.
Whether he is someone’s favorite driver or not, many can admit that he will be remembered long after he leaves the sport. He has left a mark on motorsports and his legacy will remain no matter what team he is a part of.
Edited by Reese Dlabach