In October 2015, just before securing his third Formula 1 world championship, Lewis Hamilton shared insights into the figures who inspire him beyond the racetrack. During an interview with RACER, the then 30-year-old Mercedes driver revealed the icons forming his personal Hall of Fame, illustrating the profound impact these individuals have had on his life and values.
Icons Who Shaped Lewis Hamilton’s Vision
When asked about his personal Hall of Fame, Hamilton named several influential personalities, including Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. These figures reflect not only excellence in their fields but also courage, creativity, and dedication to social causes.
“Muhammad Ali, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder.”
Pressed further about legendary figures from Formula 1 and sports in general, Hamilton added renowned names such as Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Pele to the list, emphasizing the lasting influence of these champions on his career and mindset.
“I would say Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio, Pele, there’s lots of others. I could go on and on, I just have to think about it for a long time.”
Among these figures, Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio represent the highest achievements in motor racing, while Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela hold a more personal and symbolic significance for Hamilton. He regards Ali as a sporting hero for his bravery and principles outside the ring, and his connection to Mandela is deeply personal, strengthened by a memorable family visit during his early racing years.
Hamilton has frequently drawn strength from Mandela’s legacy, often sharing tributes on social media, such as a heartfelt post in 2020 on Mandela’s birthday. These moments highlight the enduring impact of Mandela’s message on Hamilton’s commitment to social justice.
Hamilton’s Role as a Champion Beyond Motorsport
More than a decade after naming his idols, Lewis Hamilton has risen to embody many of their qualities, becoming a prominent global figure for equality and representation. His activism extends beyond his sport, echoing the work of those who inspired him to challenge societal inequities.
During the Black Lives Matter movement, Hamilton emerged as a leading voice in Formula 1, using his platform to call for meaningful change within the sport and beyond.
“Last year some of us took a knee in support of equality which I am proud of. My question is, what’s next? The inequities within our sport and within our world persist. Change is still needed. We must keep pushing to hold ourselves and others accountable. We have to keep striving for equality for all, in order to continue to see true and lasting change in our world,” Hamilton told F1.com in 2021.
In 2020, Hamilton launched the Hamilton Commission, an independent investigation into the lack of diversity in motorsport. The results shaped the creation of the Mission 44 foundation, a charity dedicated to helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds pursue careers in racing and related fields.
This commitment to inclusivity continues today. Earlier this year, Hamilton partnered with the UK government and the Education Secretary to influence school curricula, aiming to make education more inclusive and representative of diverse experiences. His foundation works on embedding these values into the system, promoting positive change for future generations.
The Enduring Impact of Hamilton’s Inspirations
Lewis Hamilton’s admiration for figures like Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela extends beyond admiration; it fuels his ongoing efforts to make a difference. By combining sporting excellence with activism, Hamilton challenges the boundaries of what a modern athlete can achieve. His journey suggests that the legacy of his Hall of Fame idols is not only to be remembered but also lived through continuous action towards equality and representation.
As Hamilton progresses in his career, his influence is expected to grow both on and off the track, inspiring others to embrace change and pursue fairness in every arena.