With the world’s eyes centered on the UK general election, citizens will decide their future on the 4th of July. After 14 years, the Conservatives face the threat of their crown being toppled by the Labor Party. Who wins is of prime importance to each citizen; however, like every major election, a huge wave of newly legal voters turning 18 seek direction. And who better to lead them to make their voices heard than the UK’s (and the world’s) most successful F1 driver and global icon – Sir Lewis Hamilton?
In 2020, King Charles (then-Prince) knighted 7-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton for his contribution to motorsport. The 6-year-old Hamilton, who was called racial slurs and discriminated against in school, smiled with tears of joy as his future self received the UK’s highest honor. With this, his charitable foundations, Mission 44 and the Hamilton Commission, found extra credibility.
“Mission 44 exists to build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world,” reads the Mission 44 website, aiming to combat discrimination. With the general elections demanding the youth assert their stance, Mission 44 is doing its part. They shared the progressive views of their Youth Advisory Board members on Instagram, urging the youth to cement their “seat at the table” by voting. Hamilton reshared the inspiring post on his Instagram Story, giving a bigger platform to the youth’s voices.
Luckily, the Mercedes star would be on home soil when the UK general elections commence. After the Austrian GP this weekend, F1 heads to the UK for the British GP to conclude the European triple header. The Briton could miss the Thursday press conferences to perform his national duty. In turn, will the legendary Silverstone track repay him with a 12th consecutive podium?
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most podiums at a single venue – 14. That venue is his home race – the iconic Silverstone track in Britain. Moreover, the Mercedes driver has racked up 11 consecutive podiums there in the last 11 years. However, the home fans are awaiting his 104th F1 victory rather than another podium. Soon-to-be Ferrari driver Hamilton secured his last victory at the 2021 Saudi Arabian GP.
Since then, mediocrity was all Mercedes could offer with their midfield cars. However, with their new front finally allowing the W15 to fly, the Briton has his best chance to win the British GP for the final time as a Mercedes driver.
Though a victory still seems out of the picture with McLaren outpacing Mercedes’ development, a 12th consecutive podium on home turf, taking his tally of home podiums to 15, would be legendary. Interestingly, in the same week, while political parties go head-to-head for the nation’s summit, three British drivers, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton, and George Russell, will do the same for bragging rights at Silverstone. What’s your take on Hamilton’s message? Share your thoughts in the comments.
