Lewis Hamilton becomes racing great!

I would guess that Lewis Hamilton winning his third World Championship in the US was meaningful for a number of reasons: He knew that he was now in the group of some of the most revered and illustrious drivers ever to have graced Formula One; secondly, that he has always been the first to acknowledge that he is not like ordinary drivers who either come from wealthy families, and or are sons of former drivers, such as his ungracious team mate Nico Rosberg-son of Keke Rosberg, who could not congratulate his team mate after being resoundly beaten all season.

But, I would argue another big reason why Hamilton loves winning in the USA is because it has been where Hamilton’s Blackness shines through. US Black celebrities have recognised and quite rightly adopted Hamilton has one of their own. Rihanna, Jay Z, Usher and many others have all flocked to support Hamilton in the US. Hamilton in turn has embraced the, ‘I’m black, beautiful and talented’ mantra of that generation, often to the annoyance of many who believe he should be more serious.

Here in the UK we are equally proud of this young man. For many of us he’s Black, mixed heritage and fantastically British. Adding to the mix his family are working class and strived against the odds to ensure their son’s brilliance could shine through, and this resonates with many BME families who themselves experience these challenges.

Well done Lewis, you’ll go on to break many more records and inspire a generation to believe.

Simon Woolley