Lewis Hamilton’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Lewis Hamilton, the legendary Formula 1 driver, has reaffirmed his commitment to the fight for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the face of growing challenges. As President Donald Trump’s administration has been aggressively dismantling DEIA initiatives, Hamilton remains undeterred. Trump’s first month in his second term saw a series of executive orders targeting these programs. Actions taken since January 20 include banning certain words from government websites and threatening to pull federal funding from organizations that support minorities. Hamilton, a long-standing advocate for the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, has watched these developments with concern but vows to continue his efforts.
Hamilton’s Personal Commitment to DEIA
Hamilton’s vow to "just keep fighting" is a testament to his unwavering dedication. He acknowledges that he cannot control the actions of the government or those who oppose DEIA initiatives, but he is determined to make a difference in his own sphere. "I’m not going to change what [Trump] does, or the government does – all I can do is try to make sure that in my space, in my environment, I’m trying to elevate people," Hamilton told TIME. "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. It is a fight that we’ll just keep fighting."
The Hamilton Commission and Mission 44
Hamilton’s commitment to DEIA has not been just words but concrete actions. In 2020, he was struck by the lack of diversity in the Formula 1 paddock, which led him to establish the Hamilton Commission, a program aimed at improving representation in motorsport. The following year, he launched Mission 44, which seeks to support, champion, and empower young people from underrepresented groups to succeed by narrowing opportunity gaps across society. These initiatives come in response to the stark reality that racial minorities represented just 3% of the Mercedes team’s workforce in 2019, compared to 18% of England’s population according to the 2021 census.
Advocacy Within the Team
Hamilton’s advocacy has had a tangible impact within his former team, Mercedes. He pushed the team to launch the Accelerate 25 program, which commits to hiring people of color at a 25% rate until 2025. Hamilton reflects on the progress made, noting, "I did think, oh my God, I’ve finally got a more diverse working environment we’ve built over time. And now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse." His efforts have not gone unnoticed, and they have inspired other teams to take action. For instance, Ferrari signed a diversity and inclusion charter in November 2024, under Hamilton’s influence.
Navigating Racism in Italy
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has not been without concerns, especially given his past experiences with discrimination in Italy. When he was younger, he faced racism in Italian sporting stadiums, a problem that persists today. Just last year, football players Mike Maignan and Romelu Lukaku were subjected to racist chants during Serie A matches. Hamilton acknowledges these challenges, saying, "I’m not going to lie, it definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision. Like in so many things, it’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem."
A Passionate Welcome to Ferrari
The passion surrounding Hamilton’s Ferrari debut seems to be easing his concerns. The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and the team rallying behind him. Hamilton’s commitment to DEIA is not just a personal mission but a call to action for the entire Formula 1 community. His resilience and advocacy serve as a powerful example of how individuals can drive change and create more inclusive environments, even in the face of significant opposition. As he continues his fight, Hamilton remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
