Sir Lewis Hamilton believes his experience in Formula 1 is similar to that of his childhood hero Ayrton Senna.
The 36-year-old British driver is currently in the midst of negotiating a new contract. He spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport’s Sportweek publication on the way that Senna stood apart throughout his career.
“He was alone in a system that was not always friendly to him,” Hamilton said.
“That’s something I have also experienced in my career.”
The seven-time world champion said racism was one of these experiences.
“The Black Lives Matter protests in the United States reminded me of the racism I experienced in my youth,” Hamilton said.
As part of his protest and to raise awareness, Hamilton began the pre-race kneeling ritual. This became a part of the official proceedings last season. Mercedes paid tribute to it by painting his title-winning cars black.
“Focusing on these things gave me more power – an extra boost when I was racing on the track,” Hamilton said.
“It was no longer just about winning, but about a bigger goal.”
