Lewis Hamilton explains that he wants to become world champion once again – but other things are now even more important to him than sporting success
Lewis Hamilton will drive in Formula 1 for at least two more years. The record world champion extended his contract with Mercedes this year until the end of 2025. In sporting terms, the Briton wants to return to the top of the premier class with his team
However, results in Formula 1 are not everything for him in life. The 38-year-old has now revealed that the success of his organization “Mission 44”, which campaigns for more diversity in motorsport among other things, is “more important” to him than an eighth world championship title in the premier class.
“It actually started here [in Abu Dhabi] in 2019,” Hamilton recalls and reveals: “We took a team photo [again at the end of the 2023 season] and I still think: damn, we still have so much work to do.”
“For example, there are [only] three people of color. […] That still has to change,” says Hamilton, who explains that there are “a lot more women” at Mercedes compared to the team photo four years earlier. Nevertheless, it is still “a long process”, he emphasizes.
“If I compare it to 2019, I’m pretty sure it hasn’t moved nearly as much as it should have,” the seven-time world champion clarifies and emphasizes that it is the “challenge” to change that in the future.
Hamilton: Already having “a real impact “
“Mission 44” was founded by Hamilton in 2021, and he emphasizes: “The work I do is really aimed at children […]. It starts at the grassroots level.” This is probably why it could be some time before we see any major results.
But already the organization has had “a real impact”, says Hamilton, who emphasizes: “It makes me really proud.” It’s “really cool […] to open the door to kids and show them what’s possible, to spark their interest and create dreams that maybe they never thought were possible. “
All in all, things are “going really well”, emphasizes Hamilton, who explains that he is a “combination” of different things that are currently driving him. He reveals, “From a racing point of view, it’s the dream to be on top of the podium and see your team.”
“One of the most amazing things is […] seeing the national flag flying behind you and seeing the team [at the bottom],” says Hamilton, who emphasizes that his sporting goal is, of course, to become world champion in Formula 1 one more time.
Hamilton hopes for Formula 1 races in Africa
“And then there are a few other projects. In Mexico this year I launched a drink that I’ve been working on for 20 months and then there’s a few other little things I’ve been working on and those things keep you on your toes,” said Hamilton.
“If I only had racing, I don’t know if it would be as exciting,” he admits, explaining that one of his dreams is to bring Formula 1 back to Africa. He is not actively involved in talks with potential circuits.
“But I talk to Stefano [Domenicali] all the time and ask him where we are on this and I just try to be a good ally to Stefano because he has a big heart, great intentions and a good vision and I just try to help him,” said Hamilton.
“So I’m excited about the future,” says the Briton, referring to the bigger picture and the goals of “Mission 44”. However, there is definitely still “a long way to go” to achieve the goals that have been set, says Hamilton.
