Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Lewis powers ahead
F1 star tops list of most influential black people
WRITE STUFF Michaela
PHILANTHROPY Stormzy
FORMULA One star Lewis Hamilton has been named the UK’S most influential black person.
The seven-time world champ topped The Powerlist 2021, the annual list of the most powerful people of African, AfroCaribbean and Afro-american heritage.
The 35-year-old was hailed for his achievements on and off the track, including his support for the Black Lives Matter movement and for launching The Hamilton Commission to improve diversity in UK motorsport.
He said: “This for me is a monumental moment.
“I ’m s o proud to b e acknowledged, especially within the black community. Everyone on this list is so inspiring and leading in their own industry, I’m honestly thrilled to be mentioned alongside them.
“We all have responsibility and we’re trying to do our best. I like to think that I’m just a part of a chain of many people trying to push for change.”
On Sunday Hamilton became the most successful racing driver in history by clinching a seventh world championship, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. Earlier in the year Hamilton passed the German’s all-time record of 91 Grand Prix wins – he now has 94. Hamilton is widely regarded as the greatest driver in motorsport history and is currently the only black driver to race in the sport. Campaigning footballer Marcus Rashford, Windrush lawyer Jacqueline Mckenzie and I May Destroy You writer and actor Michaela Coel made their Powerlist debuts. Now in its 15th year, The Powerlist, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, honours incredible men and women across a wide range of industries including the arts, business, politics, science and technology. The winners will be celebrated today at the virtual Black Excellence Awards, hosted by Young Vic artistic director Kwame Kwei-armah.