© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
After winning the World Sportsman of the Year Laureus award, Lewis Hamilton used the opportunity to send out a plea for diversity.
Hamilton was honoured for his amazing achievements in motorsport and for the first time ever, the award was won by two people simultaneously – Hamilton and footballer Lionel Messi. While accepting the award, Hamilton used the opportunity to send out a plea for diversity.
“I grew up in a sport that has really given my life meaning,” Hamilton said.
“I’m so, so grateful for what it has provided me, but I’ve grown up in a sport that has very little to no diversity and I think it’s an issue we’re continually facing.
“It’s all of our responsibility to use our platform for that, to push for gender equality, inclusivity, for making sure we are engaging and trying to represent where the world is today.
“It’s a real honour to be here and congratulations to all of the nominees.
“A big thank you to Mercedes-Benz, who have always been a supporter, they signed me when I was 13, and I want to also say a huge congratulations to Laureus for changing people’s lives and giving people hope,” concluded the Briton.
