Lewis Hamilton wins new special Laureus award

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton wins new special Laureus award

Mercedes driver has become first recipient of Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year honour

Ian Parkes

Thursday 6 May 2021 20:01

Lewis Hamilton has received a special award from Laureus following his fight against racism and his raising of awareness with regard to inequality.

Last year the seven-time F1 champion was crowned world sportsman of the year by Laureus alongside Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi.

In recognising Hamilton's achievements over the past 12 months with regard to the stand he has taken against racial injustice and inequality, Laureus has made the 36-year-old its first recipient of the Athlete Advocate of the Year award.

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An honoured Hamilton said: “A huge thank you to the Laureus World Sports Academy for presenting me with this incredible award.

“This past year has been incredibly difficult for so many, but it has also been heartening to see the power of our collective voices spark new conversations and change.

"The impact of each and every one of you who have stood up is so inspiring, so I want to thank you. Please keep fighting, keep shining your light.

“The global rising to address the longstanding issue of systemic racism and inequality in our society has been monumental, but we must continue to fight.

"We must all see ourselves as responsible for making positive change in our world, and hold ourselves accountable so that the promises of last year turn in to action.

“I truly believe that together we will get there, and so I stand with you as we push forwards. I’m sending you all love and positivity, stay safe. Thank you.”

Notably, Hamilton has formed The Hamilton Commission that has been designed to improve the representation of Black people in UK motorsport, while also setting up with Mercedes a charitable foundation to improve diversity in motorsport.