Lewis Hamilton Stands Firm on Diversity Efforts Despite Trump’s….. read more
Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in motorsport, despite opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. The seven-time world champion, who recently joined Ferrari after a long tenure with Mercedes, made it clear that he remains steadfast in his mission to create a more inclusive environment within the sport.
Hamilton’s Commitment to Diversity
Hamilton has been a vocal advocate for diversity in motorsport for years. In 2020, he launched The Hamilton Commission, an initiative aimed at increasing representation for underprivileged and minority groups in British motorsport. Since then, the programme has made significant progress, and Hamilton has taken pride in the changes it has inspired.
In an interview with Time magazine, he reflected on the impact of his efforts while at Mercedes. “I did think, oh my god, I’ve finally got a more diverse working environment that we’ve built over time,” he said. However, upon moving to Ferrari, he noted a stark contrast, acknowledging that the team is not as diverse as the one he helped shape at Mercedes. Despite this, he remains determined to push for positive change.
Trump’s Crackdown on Diversity Initiatives
Hamilton’s comments come in response to Donald Trump’s recent efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes in the U.S. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has actively reversed government-backed diversity initiatives and has pressured major corporations to follow suit. His latest attack on such programmes came after a tragic plane crash in Washington, in which 67 people lost their lives. Without presenting any evidence, Trump blamed diversity hiring policies for the accident, further intensifying his stance against these initiatives.
Hamilton, who owns a home in Colorado and has various business ventures in the U.S., made it clear that he would not be swayed by the political climate. “I’m not going to change what he does, or what the government does,” he stated. “All I can do is try to make sure that in my space, in my environment, I’m trying to elevate people.”
Facing Backlash but Staying Resilient
The British driver acknowledged that resistance to diversity initiatives is nothing new, yet he refuses to back down. “There’s going to be forces along the way that don’t want that, for whatever reason I can’t fathom. That doesn’t stop me. It is a fight that we’ll just keep fighting.”
His commitment to inclusion extends beyond motorsport. Hamilton has been outspoken on various social issues, including racism in sports. Recently, he addressed concerns about his move to Ferrari, particularly in light of racist incidents in Italian football. A January 2024 match involving AC Milan was marred by racial abuse directed at players, raising concerns about the broader culture of racism in Italian sports.
“I’m not going to lie, it definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision,” Hamilton admitted. However, he remains optimistic, stating that racism is often propagated by “a small group of people” and does not define an entire country or fanbase. “I don’t think that it’s going to be a problem,” he said confidently.
Criticism Over Ferrari Move Dismissed
Hamilton’s high-profile switch to Ferrari has drawn skepticism from several figures in the F1 world, including former team principal Eddie Jordan and Alpine consultant Flavio Briatore. The two have questioned whether the move was the right decision for Hamilton’s career at this stage. However, Hamilton dismissed their concerns, remaining focused on his new journey with Scuderia Ferrari and his long-term goals both on and off the track.
As he gears up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Hamilton is not just focused on competing for an eighth world title but also on leaving a lasting impact in motorsport. Regardless of the political landscape or criticism he faces, one thing is clear—Hamilton remains unwavering in his fight for diversity and inclusion.
