The power behind Hamilton’s next chapter

Lewis Hamilton’s silence in the aftermath of the 2021 Formula 1 season finale really spoke volumes about those controversial events. But away from the spotlight he has remained active in his efforts to create lasting change in society. In doing so, he proves his power.

"I just hope that in 10 years' time it's different. That's my mission. That's my purpose here. Winning is all good, but it's kind of the least important."

Lewis Hamilton spoke those words to Motorsport.com as he closed in on his seventh world title and the final races of the 2020 Formula 1 season approached. He was outlining his hope that the push for improved diversity in motorsport – something he'd instilled into the sport with his commanding words and actions that summer amid the Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd's murder. If winning is 'least important', then creating meaningful change must be 'most important'.

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Author Alex Kalinauckas

Alex Kalinauckas is Autosport's Grand Prix Editor, covering every Formula 1 race since the start of 2020. After completing a master's degree in journalism at Goldsmiths College University of London in 2014, he worked for a range of motorsport and technology publications while covering national racing as an Autosport freelancer.

A lifelong motorsport fan - no one in his family can explain quite how or why such a development first occurred - Alex joined the Autosport staff in April 2017 as the magazine’s Assistant Editor covering Formula 2 and GP3, before being made Formula E correspondent and Autosport.com’s Plus Editor in March 2018. He lives in north-east London and is constantly frustrated by the Central Line.