LONDON:Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says he is confident his sport has a bright and more diverse future but he will not take his foot off the accelerator in pushing for change.
The Mercedes racer, Formula One's first Black driver and champion, told Reuters Television in an interview that he also looked forward to more success with a team that has dominated the past seven years.
The Briton is Formula One's most successful driver, equalling Ferrari great Michael Schumacher's record seven titles and smashing the German's records for most career wins, with the Briton now on 94.
"This year there has been this awakening," said the 35-year-old, who sealed his seventh title, and sixth with Mercedes, after winning in Turkey last weekend.
"Already it has sparked a change but it’s really important that it’s not just symbolism, it’s important that it’s not just words... that we take real action to make change, to make this a more diverse sport."
Hamilton, who made his F1 debut in 2007, recalled looking around the Australian Grand Prix paddock in Melbourne at the start of last year and posting images on Instagram of the startling lack of diversity he saw.
"And then I got to the end of the year and I saw all the photos of all the teams... and there were three or four people of colour within that setting and I remember thinking: ‘How has that not changed at all since I’ve been here?’
"It isn’t a surprise when you think of the people who have led our sport, the comments they’ve come out with this year," added Hamilton.
"So there’s a lot of learning to do and it’s uncomfortable for some people, the conversation."
STRONGLY CRITICAL
Hamilton did not name any names but he has been strongly critical this year of former F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone, now 90, for suggesting the sport did not have a problem with racism.
He has also hit back at former champions Mario Andretti and Jackie Stewart, both in their 80s, for their reactions to his campaigning stance.
Hamilton said the sport had gone "leaps and bounds' in breaking down barriers and opening up a dialogue this year.
"You’ve seen (F1 chairman) Chase Carey putting money towards the movement, we’ve seen the (sport's governing) FIA doing more. So I think the future’s bright but I’ve got to stay on top of these people," he added.
"We’ve all got to stay on top to make sure that change really follows."
Hamilton this year set up a commission of experts to help increase the representation of Black people in British motorsport, while Formula One has rolled out an anti-racism campaign.
He said that 2020, racing through the COVID-19 pandemic, had been "the hardest year for everyone" but the movement for change and using his platform to promote racial justice and equal rights had been a "great driver in the background."
"I think the sport’s realised that it has a powerful voice and a place in pushing for better living standards for everyone around the world," said Hamilton.
"There are some teams that we’re still working on, to try and bring them in and be a part of change and realise that they can do better in their company. But I think I’ve seen lots of change."
Reuters
Thu Nov 19 2020
![Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with a trophy after winning the race and the world championship, Formula One F1 - Turkish Grand Prix - Istanbul Park, Turkey - Nov 15, 2020. REUTERSpic Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with a trophy after winning the race and the world championship, Formula One F1 - Turkish Grand Prix - Istanbul Park, Turkey - Nov 15, 2020. REUTERSpic](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2020-11/41605783830_HAMILTON.jpg)
Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium with a trophy after winning the race and the world championship, Formula One F1 - Turkish Grand Prix - Istanbul Park, Turkey - Nov 15, 2020. REUTERSpic
![Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance' Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51729319634_alikhamenei.jpg)
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
![Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/81729317767_VladimirPutin.jpg)
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
![What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit? What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/81729156658_VladimirPutin.jpg)
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
![Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/81729158703_tbPrabowoSubianto.jpg)
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
![Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21 Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/71729156390_tblogoAwaniInterna.jpg)
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
![Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/81729307245_jabalia.jpg)
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
![Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/61729230134_TBLIAMPAYNE.jpg)
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
![Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-02/41707474512_TBSriMulyaniIndraw.jpg)
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
![Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/71729155079_tbJoeBiden.jpg)
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
![Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-06/81717643773_VladimirPutin.jpg)
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
![ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025 ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/41722498099_KualaLumpur.jpg)
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
![Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/61729239367_TBBelanjawan.jpg)
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
![Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/71729246938_TBANWARBAJET.jpg)
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
![What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-09/51725723326_PrabowoSubianto.jpg)
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
![Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2019-12/81577181583_tbIKS.jpg)
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
![Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/71729030072_TBisrael.jpg)
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
![Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/81713954437_TBPrabowoSubianto.jpg)
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
![Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-09/71726749193_jitrabanjir.jpg)
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
![Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/81729242256_TBANWARBAJET.jpg)
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
![NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/71729248482_TBANWARBAJET.jpg)
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.