Lewis Hamilton reveals racism fear almost made him aba…read more
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and the sport’s only Black driver, recently disclosed that concerns about potential racism in Italy nearly deterred him from joining Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. His apprehensions stemmed from past experiences of racial abuse and the broader context of racism in Italian sports.
Past Experiences of Racism
Throughout his illustrious career, Hamilton has faced several incidents of racial abuse. In his debut season in 2008, he endured offensive behavior from Spanish fans who donned blackface and labeled themselves “Hamilton’s Family,” later referring to him with derogatory terms. Such incidents highlighted the racial challenges he confronted early in his career.
The 2021 season presented further challenges. Following a collision with Max Verstappen at the British Grand Prix, Hamilton was subjected to severe online racial abuse. The situation escalated to the point where Mercedes, the FIA, and Formula 1 issued joint statements condemning the racist attacks. Red Bull Racing also called for accountability, emphasizing the need to address such unacceptable behavior.
Concerns About Joining Ferrari
Hamilton’s decision to transition from Mercedes to Ferrari was not made lightly. He acknowledged that the fear of encountering racism in Italy was a significant factor in his deliberations. In an interview with TIME, he remarked, “It definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision. It’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”
Despite these concerns, Hamilton chose to embrace the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to confront and potentially dispel negative stereotypes. He stated, “I’ve always welcomed the negativity. I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.” His approach underscores a resilience and determination to rise above prejudice.
Racism in Italian Sports
Hamilton’s apprehensions are contextualized by a series of racist incidents in Italian sports, particularly football. In January 2024, AC Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, was subjected to monkey chants during a match against Udinese, leading his team to walk off the pitch in protest. Similarly, Romelu Lukaku has faced racial abuse, including instances where bananas were thrown at him by spectators.
Black Italian athletes have also been targeted. Mario Balotelli, for instance, threatened to leave the field during a game after enduring abuse from Hellas Verona fans, despite his significant contributions to the national team. In 2019, Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci controversially suggested that teammate Moise Kean was partially responsible for the racist abuse he received from Cagliari fans, implying that Kean’s goal celebration was a provocation. Bonucci’s comments were met with widespread condemnation from international stars like Raheem Sterling, leading him to later claim he was “clearly misunderstood,” though he did not directly apologize to Kean.
Hamilton’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond his racing achievements, Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within motorsport. Through initiatives like the Hamilton Commission, he aims to increase Black representation in UK motorsport. His move to Ferrari, a team historically lacking in diversity, presents both challenges and opportunities in this regard. Hamilton’s commitment to promoting inclusivity remains steadfast, even in the face of potential adversity.
Anticipation and Expectations
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has generated significant attention and speculation. Former F1 champion Nigel Mansell expressed optimism about Hamilton’s prospects with the team, suggesting that he could end Ferrari’s championship drought and potentially secure an unprecedented eighth world title. Mansell praised Hamilton’s talent and predicted that he would continue breaking records, highlighting the excitement surrounding this new chapter in Hamilton’s career.
However, some experts caution about the challenges ahead. The dynamics between Hamilton and his new teammate, Charles Leclerc, will be closely watched. Ralf Schumacher, a former grand prix driver, noted that if the team’s car doesn’t align with Hamilton’s driving style, it could pose significant risks, especially given Leclerc’s established position within Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari marks a significant milestone in his career, reflecting both his personal aspirations and his commitment to challenging the status quo. While concerns about racism in Italy were a factor in his decision-making process, Hamilton’s resolve to confront these challenges head-on demonstrates his resilience and dedication to fostering change within the sport. As he embarks on this new journey with Ferrari, the racing world will be watching closely, hopeful that his presence will not only lead to on-track success but also promote greater inclusivity and diversity in motorsport.
