Key Takeaways:
- Lewis Hamilton became involved in the Roe v. Wade case shortly after arriving in the United States.
- With seven record titles shared with Michael Schumacher, the 37-year-old British racer is the most successful driver in series history.
- McLaren Racing’s Zak Brown, a California native, believes that bringing F1 to a new audience is vital.
Shortly after landing in the United States, Lewis Hamilton became involved in the Roe v. Wade argument. He wore three watches, eight rings, and various necklaces in Miami to protest a ban on wearing jewelry while racing.
Hamilton hosted former 1st lady Michelle Obama in his pit for practice and qualifying as the seven-time world champion ready for Formula One’s debut in South Florida.
Hamilton, who became the first Black winner in Formula One in 2008, is still as much of a change agent 16 years later. The 37-year-old British racer is the most successful driver in series history, with seven record titles shared with Michael Schumacher. Hamilton is still the only Black driver competing at the highest level of motorsport.
He has utilized his platform to speak out for social justice, race, human rights, and LBGTQ community protection.
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Hamilton used Instagram earlier this week in New York to discuss the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning the famous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, effectively ending the countrywide right to legal abortion.
“I adore living in the United States, but I can’t ignore what’s taking place right now and what some in the government are attempting to do to the women who live here,” Hamilton told his almost 28 million Instagram followers.
“Everyone must be able to make their own decisions about how they use their bodies. We cannot allow that option to be taken away from us.”
The next post contains the names of pro-abortion organizations and resources.
He appeared in the Hard Rock Stadium paddock two days later, wearing every item of jewelry he could find. He opposed the FIA’s decision to prohibit drivers from wearing jewelry while competing in Formula One. The FIA maintains that jewelry poses a safety risk; Hamilton claims that he’s had his piercings for 16 seasons in Formula One and that it’s his right to express himself whichever he wants.
But, as the flash and glamour of Formula One swept over Miami Gardens, Hamilton stood out as the lone face of diversity in a suburban family neighborhood that is roughly 70% Black or African American, according to the US Census Bureau. His boss, Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff, claimed it wasn’t enough.
“What (F1) needs are role models,” Wolff said. “Not just the best driver, who is the sport’s largest role model, but we need… to transform that room, and there needs to be a more diverse set of people talking about Formula One.” “All we keep to do now is take one step at a time. We’d love to have a varied range of followers and audiences, and we’re willing to do whatever it takes.”
California native Zak Brown, who oversees McLaren Racing, believes that introducing F1 to a new audience is critical. He noted “a new, more diversified youthful fan base” in North America due to Netflix’s docuseries “Drive to Survive.”
“If you look at their fan base, they brought in a lot of female supporters and a lot of youth,” Brown remarked. “Visiting new markets, such as Miami, and looking for spectacular racing broadcasts and side and shoulder content.” It’s all about making small improvements in each of these areas.
“All we have to do now is keep exposing our fantastic sport to newcomers and then let it work its magic on everyone, as it has for many years.”
Source: CTV News
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