Lewis Hamilton: “F1 can no longer ignore human rights issues”.

Lewis Hamilton, the newly crowned seven-time world F1 champion says he has work still to do. However, he hopes his latest triumph will inspire the next generation of F1 drivers.

Wining the Turkish Grand Prix – which is his 10th win of 2020, Lewis Hamilton equals Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles. Wrapping up the championship with three races to spare to add to his previous title wins. That is, in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Guess what? He is “only getting started” in his drive to change the face of Formula One.

As expected, his latest success raised questions about how far he can take his success in the sport. Furthermore, the 35-year-old Lewis Hamilton faces a somewhat uncertain future as he remains without a contract for 2021. However, talks with Mercedes are expected to speed up – now that the championship is wrapped up.

Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, is using much of 2020 to push his calls for greater diversity in the sport. He stressed his work within the sport is far from done. In 2021, F1 will head to Saudi Arabia for the first time. A place where human rights abuses have tarnished the Arab nation’s reputation and led to widespread criticism. Criticisms over its treatment of women, capital punishment, and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 by government agents.

“I would love to stay,” Lewis Hamilton said. “We realize we’ve got to face and not ignore the human rights issues in the countries that we go to. Not just 20 years, 30 years from now, but now.“

What Did Winning Mean To Lewis Hamilton?

“I want to help F1 and Mercedes in that journey, and moving more sustainable as a sport, I want to see if I can be part of that for a little bit longer.”

Lewis Hamilton was moved to tears after crossing the finish line, as team officials lined up to congratulate him. Over the team radio, the Briton used the opportunity to try and inspire young children who look up to him as a role model. “For all the kids out there who dream the impossible, you can do it too.” He said while in tears having become the sport’s first and only Black world champion in its 70-year history.

Furthermore, he said speaking to Sky Sports; “I remember being a kid and being five and watching all these Grands Prix, and loving cars, and not necessarily having someone who looked like me in the sport. But I still dreamt that I could potentially one day get there. I think there’s going to be a lot of kids who see all these different industries and not seeing anyone who looks like them. However, you can be a trailblazer… You can create your own path for others to follow. Dream as big as you possibly can and don’t let anyone tell you that you can or you can’t. There’s nothing you can’t do if you put time and effort into it, and you have the support behind you.”