“I don’t want to dwell": Lewis Hamilton admits considering Serie A racism before joining Ferrari in Formula 1

Lewis Hamilton is a very renowned Formula 1 champion with seven victories in the Formula One history. He is also the first Black driver in the sport's history. He recently moved from Mercedes to Ferrari and became a victim of the racial abuse faced by Black footballers in Italy. This made him rethink his choices carefully. Hamilton will be having his first race after joining Ferrari on March 16. The Australian Grand Prix will be a showcase of his talent, not his racial origins.Lewis Hamilton has shared his memories of how he was a victim of racial abuse since childhood. He has been severely hit with bananas and called the "n-word" multiple times at school. He also experienced abuse during a Formula 1 test in Barcelona in 2008.In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Hamilton started the Hamilton Commission to increase Black representation in UK motorsport. Mercedes also set up a diversity initiative, and Hamilton has highlighted Ferrari's lack of diversity. Last November, Ferrari signed a diversity charter with all F1 teams.Hamilton’s success on track has allowed him to use his platform to call for more inclusivity – in both motorsport and beyond. He has spoken out about the importance of systemic change, fighting for equal opportunities and greater representation for disadvantaged communities. Via his Mission 44 foundation, he has helped fund educational initiatives and mentorship opportunities for young Black talent who aspire to enter STEM fields and motorsport.Reflecting on his new role, Lewis Hamilton said, “I thought, ‘Oh my God, I finally have a more diverse working environment.’ Now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”So far, Ferrari fans, known as tifosi, have welcomed Hamilton warmly in their legendary family. He will attend a special event in Milan with Charles Leclerc before heading to Australia. Hamilton has also stated that he tries to ignore criticism from “older, white men.”As he aims for an eighth world championship this year, Hamilton told skeptics, “Don’t compare me to anyone else. I’m the first Black driver in this sport. I’m built differently. I’ve been through a lot. You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old driver because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, and focused on winning. That’s my top priority.”Also Read: Five reasons why Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari are a perfect match