© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Lewis Hamilton says he doesn’t want to be remembered solely for his racing success, he wants to be remembered “for something more human”.
Ahead of the United States Grand Prix ESPN asked Lewis Hamilton what he would like to be remembered for.
“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it,” the Briton said.
“But I hope people say, ‘Oh, is that the guy that helped those kids?’ or, ‘Is that the guy that spoke out on behalf of a group of people and brought it to attention’. That’s what I prefer to be remembered for.
“I feel it’s almost like a racing driver is not seen as a human being and we are, of course. But I don’t really want to be remembered so much for my racing. I want to be remembered for something more human.”
Lewis has used his Formula 1 success as a platform to champion several different causes dealing with racial justice, equality and the environment. He says he is hoping his work can help bring about lasting change.
“We’ve got this amazing platform — sport does have an amazing following around the world, right? And it shouldn’t just be for entertainment, especially when we’re going to these places where we can have a positive impact.
“It’s not about going to all these countries and just leaving waste behind. We’ve got to go to these places and leave a legacy behind that’s actually changing the communities somehow there. So that’s something I’m talking to the sport about on one side of things.
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“And again, going back to inclusivity here, what I’m working on is creating a better pipeline. So when we come back in five or ten years’ time, you’re seeing that people watching TV are seeing better representation.
“There should be no barriers just because of where you come from. It should be more open. That’s like my sole drive at the moment.”
In July Lewis has pledged £20 million to start his charity foundation Mission 44, which is committed to supporting people from under-represented backgrounds. One part of this work includes increasing diversity in motorsport.
“For years I’ve been wondering, ‘Why am I the only Black driver to come through [in F1]. It can’t just to be at the front, there’s got to be a bigger reason for it and I couldn’t quite understand.
“I was being really grateful for that, and living in gratitude is really important, but what can I do with this? What am I supposed to do with this?
“I think, for me, there’s no better feeling than helping people. For me, that’s far greater than wins and all those things.
“This [Formula 1] is cool but actually having an impact and helping people is what I want to work with,” the seven-time champion concluded.
