Lewis Hamilton admit ‘racism in Italy’ as Ferrari deal sets in
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, has opened up about the factors that influenced his decision to join Ferrari this year. In a candid interview with TIME, Hamilton revealed that incidents of racial abuse against black footballers in Italy did give him pause for thought when considering the move.
Hamilton, who has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport, has firsthand experience of the devastating impact of racial abuse. He has spoken publicly about the “traumatising” racial abuse he suffered as a child, including having bananas thrown at him and being repeatedly called the “n-word” at school. He also faced racial abuse at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008.
Given this personal history, it’s understandable that Hamilton would be mindful of the potential risks of racial abuse in Italy, where Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have faced similar abuse. However, Hamilton is adamant that he will not let fear or doubt hold him back.
“I don’t want to dwell,” he told TIME. “I’m not going to lie, it definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision. Like in so many things, it’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. I don’t think that it’s going to be a problem.”
Hamilton’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in his work with the Hamilton Commission, which he launched in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. The commission aims to increase black representation in UK motorsport, and Hamilton has been vocal about the need for greater diversity in the sport.
Interestingly, Hamilton noted that Ferrari’s lack of ethnic minorities within their workforce was a concern for him. However, he was heartened to see that the Italian team had signed a diversity and inclusion charter, alongside every other F1 team, in November.
Despite these concerns, Hamilton has been warmly welcomed by Ferrari fans, known as the tifosi. He will be present in Milan for a special event alongside Charles Leclerc on Thursday before heading to Australia for the season-opening Grand Prix.
As he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, Hamilton is eyeing a record-breaking eighth world championship. He has a message for those who doubt him as he enters the final years of his career.
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” he said. “I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
