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With his seventh world title, Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has become the record world champion in the premier class of motorsport. Michael Schumacher’s record was long considered inviolable, but in the meantime, the 35-year-old Briton has already surpassed the German legend (91) with 94 Grand Prix victories.
The Brit used the aftercare to send a message to his fans and the younger generation. “For all the kids who dream of the impossible, they can.”
A role model for the young generation
In this year overshadowed by the crown crisis, Hamilton has not only become a record man, but ultimately an opinion leader, also outside of Formula 1. He presents himself and his worldview through of social networks. The black pioneer of Formula 1 is one of the most prominent supporters of the “Black Lives Matter” movement against racism and police violence.
Additionally, Hamilton cares about climate change and natural disasters, as well as the issues of animal husbandry, meatless nutrition, and sustainable food farming. English has been vegan for about four years. As an elite athlete, this makes you feel fitter. “The gut is your second brain,” the descendant of a family that emigrated from the Caribbean once said about the influence of diet.
Hamilton deals with the crown and the climate crisis
Therefore, Hamilton wants to live climate-neutral: he has to accept the apparent contradiction to his existence as a jet-set in a hybrid series. “I don’t let anyone in my office or home buy plastic. I want everything to be recyclable, even the toothbrush,” he said a year ago. “I’m trying to change everything I can in my private sphere. I also sold my plane and I try to fly even less during the year.”
At the start of the season in Melbourne in mid-March, Hamilton was the only driver to put pressure on the Formula 1 bosses. He found it “shocking” that the PS scene gathered at the Albert Park circuit as the alarm bells rang. in other countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hamilton’s concerns were confirmed a bit later with the first positive test result from a McLaren employee and the race weekend in Australia was canceled immediately before the first practice session.
“Free spirit and superstar”
The courage to take a public position only developed in Hamilton over time. But it has always had value. When he was ten years old, he approached then-McLaren boss Ron Dennis and said, “Hi, I’m Lewis Hamilton and one day I want to drive your car.”
Years later, Dennis brought him into the youth program and in 2007, Hamilton finally made his Formula 1 debut and became world champion in 2008. But it was only with the escape of the “sole ruler” Dennis at McLaren, the separation From his father Anthony as manager and Michael Schumacher’s change as successor to Mercedes with the 2013 season, Hamilton was able to become the person he wants to see himself. : Free spirit and superstar who became world champion six times – 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 – in the Mercedes.
Mercedes hopes for a future together
“You have to accept that everyone works differently,” said current team boss Toto Wolff, 48, of Vienna. “By giving you the freedom to pursue your interests, we can get more out of you on the track.” Therefore, Wolff is convinced that Hamilton will continue his career with the official team and thus begin his eighth world title next year.
Hamilton important to F1
The industry leader is distracted by fashion, travel, or music. However, Hamilton does not forget that as the first dark-haired driver in Formula 1, he also has a social role that should not be underestimated. “I want to pave the way for drivers who have similar backgrounds to mine,” said the man from the English town of Stevenage, whose father could only finance his son’s expensive hobby through multiple jobs at the same time, long ago. . As a black child among white children, Hamilton was also racially insulted.
“We have to recognize that we are not particularly diverse in Formula 1,” Wolff repeatedly admitted. “Lewis taught me to accept that it is difficult to overcome discrimination from time to time.” It is one of the issues that most concerns Hamilton. And it will continue to make itself heard.
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