MAMMY GARDENS, FL (FL) – Lewis Hamilton plunged into Rowe’s debate against Wade shortly after arriving in the United States. He protested against the ban on wearing jewelry during races, holding in Miami three watches, eight rings and several necklaces.
And as the seven-time world champion was preparing to make his Formula One debut in South Florida, Hamilton hosted former First Lady Michelle Obama in her pit for training and qualifying.
Hamilton remains the same agent of change for 16 years of his career as when he became the first black winner in F1 in 2008. The British racer is now 37 years old, he is the biggest winner in the history of the series and is on par with Michael Schumacher with a record seven titles. Hamilton remains the only black racer at the most elite level of motorsport.
It uses its platform to speak on issues of social justice and race, human rights and community protection LBGTQ. Hamilton speaks during races in countries with questionable human rights or when a problem arises in which he feels his voice can support.
In New York City earlier this week, Hamilton spoke on Instagram to talk about a potential Supreme Court decision to overturn Rowe’s landmark 1973 ruling in Wade and end the nationwide right to legal abortion.
“I enjoy being in the States, but I can’t ignore what’s happening now and what some in government are trying to do with the women who live here,” Hamilton posted in his Instagram story to his nearly 28 million subscribers.
“Everyone should have the right to choose what to do with their body. We cannot allow this choice to be made. “
Subsequent publications included the names of organizations and resources that support abortion rights.
Two days later he arrived at the corral at Hard Rock Stadium with all the jewelry he could find. He protested against the decision of the FIA, the governing body of Formula 1, to pin down drivers who wear jewelry during competitions. The FIA claims that the jewelry poses a potential danger; Hamilton says he has been wearing his piercings for 16 seasons in Formula One and it is his right to express himself the way he wants.
But when Formula One’s glamor and glamor invaded Miami Gardens, a suburban family neighborhood of nearly 70 percent black or African American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hamilton was the only face of diversity. That’s not enough, said its chief, Mercedes chief Toto Wolf.
“What (F1) needs are role models, not just the main racer who is the greatest role model in the sport, but we need … to change that room, there has to be a more diverse group of people, who talk about Formula One, “Wolff said.” We just need to do it step by step. We want to have a very diverse group of fans and audiences, and whatever we can do, we’re willing to do. “
Zach Brown, a California native who now runs McLaren Racing, said opening F1 to a new audience is key. He referred to the growing number of fans in North America through the Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive” to “a new, more diverse youth fan base.”
“If you look at the fan base they brought, they brought a lot of fans, a lot of young people,” Brown said. “Entering new markets such as Miami and then looking for not just great racing broadcasts, but also side and shoulder programs. The point is to get additional benefits in all of these areas.
“We just need to keep showing our great sport to people who start in the sport and then allow the sport to act on everyone like we have for years.”
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