Legendary athletes bless their sports only once every few decades. They are those who bring about positive changes to the sport and often change the way those sports are played. Its reach increases and they often become an idol for generations to come. Such has been the case with Lewis Hamilton, who changed the landscape of Formula 1 with his on-track success and off-track activism, which has motivated the newer generation to never step back.

Hamilton’s impact is visible everywhere, as we see young drivers of different races coming up the ladder, to whom the Briton has served as an inspiration. Moreover, he has challenged several stereotypes and often voices his support for several causes. But he also ensures that he stays connected with the fans, in which his team Mercedes also plays a crucial part.

As a part of the BBC One documentary series, We Are England, Lewis Hamilton was visited by two up-and-coming drivers who aspire to be in F1 at the Mercedes headquarters. The driver talked about the struggles and obstacles he faced and those that are still pertinent in motorsports.

He said, “I think the biggest difficulties were the difference in race. Obviously, being the only person of color on the track, apart from my dad, is a lack of diversity through the top of big organizations, companies all the way down, there’s very, very little black leadership.”

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These challenges mentioned by Lewis have been talked about and brought up regularly as an acknowledgment of the efforts that are still needed. While the FIA has introduced initiatives, little has been accomplished so far.

How does Lewis Hamilton think things can be changed in the sport?

It has been over 15 years since Lewis made his debut, and no other black driver has come up since. And the numbers are staggeringly low in the ecosystem, as per the BBC, which writes, “In 2021 Hamilton’s non-profit organization, the Hamilton Commission, estimated the proportion of black people in Formula 1 to be less than 1%.”

When asked how he thinks there can be a difference ahead, Lewis, while highlighting the difficulties, said, “Well, the problem with our sport is that it is expensive, but there are a lot of people out there, companies that are looking for improving diversity and inclusion. So it’s not just what you do on the track, but it’s also how you present yourself as a family, how you handle yourself when you lose.”

“Your parents are going to be the one true people that are going to be there for the right reasons, like the purest reasons from the get-go. But I really just want to encourage you guys. There’s nothing that you cannot do.”

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Leading the drivers on the grid, Lewis has pushed for diversity and inclusion with his philanthropy. His on-track achievements and his story have been a testimony to the success one can achieve when given a chance and make a strong case for his words.