This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
On Sunday, June 21, 2020, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton marched in a peaceful anti-racism protest in London, describing the experience as “really moving”.
Hamilton, the only black driver in F1, has been a vocal advocate for greater diversity in the sport. He has faced racism throughout his career, from being taunted by fans in black face at a 2007 Grand Prix to being subjected to institutional barriers that have kept F1 highly exclusive.
Hamilton has launched his own diversity body, The Hamilton Commission, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering. The research partnership aims to encourage young black people to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with the goal of boosting the number of minorities represented in Formula One.
“The time for platitudes and token gestures is over,” Hamilton insisted in an article for the Sunday Times. “Thousands of people are employed across this industry, and that group needs to be more representative of society.”
Hamilton's actions and words have been met with praise from supporters, who see him as a powerful and influential voice in the fight against racism.
