Even those not familiar with Formula One (F1) racing know the name Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion racer is the current record holder for the most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes in F1 history. He’s also the first Black F1 driver.

But Sir Lewis Hamilton, who was knighted in 2021, is more than just a global sporting icon and inevitable hero to countless up-and-coming racers: he’s a relentless social activist, fashion designer, musician, and force for combating racism and increasing diversity in motorsport. The world has taken notice; Hamilton was named 1 of TIME magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’ in 2020 for his importance both on-and-off the track.

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At this year’s Formula One Canadian Grand Prix this June, Hamilton joined Canadian race car drivers Demi Chalkias and Marc Lafleurat the Ritz-Carlton Montreal for the “Mavericks of Motorsport” panel discussion presented by Mercedes-AMG. It offered insight into what fuels Hamilton to think and act in an independent way, often breaking norms, and how this approach has driven him to achieve personal and career goals. The conversation was moderated by award-winning Canadian sports broadcaster, producer, and entrepreneur, Kayla Grey.

From humble starts to dominating the track

Hamilton, a 38-year-old United Kingdom (UK) native, was born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and began with modest means. Hamilton told Grey that his parents put their life savings into his racing career to fuel his childhood passion for the sport. It quickly began to show promise of paying off: Hamilton’s early talents were recognized when he was just 10-years-old and won his first British go-carting championship.

Hamilton joined the McLaren young driver programme in 1998 when he was barely a teenager. This lead to a F1 drive with McLaren from 2007-2012, where Hamilton became the first – and, so far, only – Black driver to race in the series, setting numerous records in the process. In the following season, Hamilton became the then-youngest ever F1 champion.

After his 6-successful-years with McLaren, Hamilton signed with Mercedes in 2013. In 2014, with the dawn of a new era in the sport owing to a major power unit shift, Hamilton secured a second Drivers’ Championship. The following year saw 10-wins and 17-total-podiums for Hamilton, which netted a 3rd world title. At this point, he had long become a household name.

Racing ahead and record-breaking

While he narrowly missed out on the world title in 2016, Hamilton secured it again in 2017 with 2-rounds to spare. This started a run of 4-consecutive Drivers’ Championships for Hamilton. Along the way, he shattered many of the most prestigious records in the sport, including famously surpassing Michael Schumacher’s tally of F1 race wins in 2020. At the Turkish Grand Prix that same year, Hamilton matched Schumacher’s record of world titles with his 7th championship.

An intense 2021 season saw Hamilton became the first driver to reach both 100-wins and 100-pole positions in the sport’s history. After a year-long battle, he narrowly lost out to 1 of his greatest competitors, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, in controversial circumstances but still helped his team Mercedes to its eighth consecutive Constructors’ title.

While the 2023 season isn’t panning out exactly as Hamilton had hoped – he was just dropped from the sprint shootout after a disappointing sprint qualifying session in the F1 Austrian Grand Prix – it’s likely just a blip for the celebrated racer, who we won’t see hang up his helmet and retire any time soon.

Changing the status quo

Hamilton has a loud and clear mission to improve diversity in motorsport. After reviewing the lack of diversity within the end-of-season photo in 2019, Hamilton set out to understand the specific barriers to the recruitment and progression of Black people within UK motorsport and to understand the hard facts. He formed The Hamilton Commission, alongside The Royal Academy of Engineering, facilitating an opportunity to simultaneously address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport, as well as the STEM sector.

Following a 10-month research period, which included initial data analysis, stakeholder mapping, a literature review in sport, education and employment, as well as primary quantitative and qualitative research with young people and in depth interviews with key stakeholders, The Hamilton Commission published its report, Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport.
“There was such a lack of diverse talent coming through, particularly in STEM subjects and engineering,” Hamilton told Grey. “So, that’s why I put together this commission in the UK; to try and understand what the barriers were for kids that look like me, or like us, to get into STEM and engineering. And then I presented that to the industry, which is so cool. I was definitely nervous!”

The report outlines 10-recommendations to address current issues and challenges. “Our team was really responsive,” says Hamilton. “I think we had like 3% diversity within the team. Now, I think it’s over 15% – and only in a couple of years. So, it just [goes to] show what is possible.”

Hamilton also created Mission 44 in 2021. The non-profit focuses on improving diversity in motorsport, while also improving overall education and opportunities for Black youth in the UK.

“I didn’t understand why I was, having such success…and it was an amazing feeling,” Hamilton told Grey. “But, it’s very lonely at the top, for one. And, I couldn’t quite understand exactly why… why me? Why was I one of the only ones to slip through the cracks and-and make it to the top? And then I realized that they have this platform, to be able to raise, uplift and transform the lives of young youth. So, that’s why I put together that organization.”

A relentlessly passionate voice

Hamilton doesn’t shy away from using his highly visible platform as a means to inspire change.

In the 2020 season, he took a knee at the start of the races, making a statement against racism. At the 2020 F1 Tuscan Grand Prix, Hamilton wore a black shirt with the words “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor” on the front. Also an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Hamilton showed his support by wearing a Pride flag helmet when he won the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2021.

When it comes to lending his voice to important causes, Hamilton won’t be silenced. After the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) introduced new rules restricting drivers from making “political, religious and personal statements,” unless pre-approved in writing in December, Hamilton vocally opposed the move, publicly stating that nothing will stop him from speaking out.

While breaking records is inevitably nice, Hamilton remains focused on changing the face of the spot.

“For me and my dad, we were the only people of colour on the racetrack and racing,” said Hamilton. “It’s great that now, we’re starting to see not only [the] audience being a lot more diverse, but [an understanding amongst] our team. When I was asking the questions like ‘Why am I the only person of colour in the room?’ There was never an answer for it. And I was not naturally happy with that answer. And everyone’s always saying, ‘We want the best in class.’ But I think that was almost insinuating that people of colour, or people from underserved communities, aren’t as talented.”

His legacy on and off the track

In terms of his legacy, Hamilton would rather be remembered for his change-making than for his performance behind the wheel. “Ultimately, I don’t really care to be remembered as the greatest, or even one of the greatest in my sport,” said Hamilton. “I feel more passionate about being able to look back at the sport in 10-to-20-years and see that it is more diverse, more accepting and more inclusive.”

While he’s already made major moves, his work is just getting started to reach this goal. “I’ve got a lifetime of work to do within the sport,” he told Grey. “I think more broader than that. It’s not just about uplifting young Black talent, it’s literally kids from all different backgrounds; helping them realize their dreams and [show them] that nothing’s impossible. It’s really put a rocket behind me.”

Hamilton told Grey that he’s partially fuelled by trying to stay in a positive mindset every day. “It’s about manifesting your dreams and goals,” said Hamilton. “I’m not perfect, but I always try and start my day off by saying positive things to myself; ‘This is what I’m going to do, this is where I’m going.’ And just never take your eye off the goal and just stay focused, you know.”

He admits, however, that this isn’t as easy to do as it sounds. “You know how hard it is (directed at Grey); many have had their ups and downs,” said Hamilton. “It’s not easy to just keep going and keep pushing, but I’m really grateful I get to work with an amazing team. And I do know that when I arrive, it’s how you turn up for everyone, because we’re all in it together. That’s why I always say, we win and we lose as a team.”

“…we win and we lose as a TEAM.”

Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

Authenticity and leaving the world a better place

The state of the environment is another cause close to Hamilton’s heart and he often takes to social media to share the devastating consequences of human behaviour on the environment. He doesn’t allow plastics in his homes and even kissed his private jet goodbye a few years back.

The plant-based activist acknowledges that his sport isn’t without its negative impacts on the environment, but highlights how it has been using hybrid technology since 2009, paving the way for today’s electric vehicles. Last year, Hamilton’s Mercedes team made headlines for dramatically reducing its carbon footprint during a triple-header, saving 44,000-kilos of CO² from being released into the atmosphere by using vegetable oil to power their caravan.

“We’re travelling, we land, and there’s a lot of waste when we leave,” said Hamilton. “And it’s asking the difficult questions like we want to leave a positive legacy and leave the place better than it was – I think we should always leave the place better than when we arrived. And that’s having those difficult conversations with the people with the power to make those changes. So, I’m comfortable in challenging everyone.”

Hamilton is also comfortable with being exactly who he is by now. “I remember when I was younger, and I was heavily influenced by hip-hop and wore baggy clothes,” reflects Hamilton. “I remember when I came to McLaren and my boss looking me up and down, like, ‘What are you wearing?’ I remember having long hair and being asked to cut my hair. It was quite uncomfortable. And it took me a long time to just get confident and say ‘This is who I am, and you just have to accept me the way I am.’ Um, and that’s just been a real process.”

Hamilton was also seen at the recent Louis Vuitton SS24 runway in Paris (just after the races in Montreal)–likely to support Pharrell’ debut collection

Lewis Hamilton attends the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024, for Pharrell Williams’ debut collection show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Louis Vuitton)

Lewis Hamilton seen front row at the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024, for Pharrell Williams’ debut collection show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2023 in Paris, amoungst the likes of Jaden Smith, Maluma, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Lebron James and more. (Photo: Lewis Hamilton Instagram (@lewishamilton)

Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024, for Pharrell Williams’ debut collection show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo: Louis Vuitton)

Credits

Words by Erin Davis. Edited by Steven Branco and Samir Mourani. Photography courtesy of Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team / Mercedes-Benz Canada, and the respective photographer(s) credited accordingly. Art by Steven Branco. 

The post Racing to improve diversity in motorsport appeared first on GENT'S POST.

Editor's Note: At Gent’s Post, we strive to bring you exciting new content and features, fueled by thought provoking, relentless, and stigma breaking stories. Which is why we couldn’t be more excited and proud to present our inaugural fall/winter 2022 cover story, featuring none other than today’s trailblazing queer icon, Lil Nas X, who is the embodiment of pushing boundaries and the redefinition of modern masculinity. 

As much as we’ll always love the 90s tracks of our youth, the reality is that rap and hip-hop culture has long been associated with a masculine ideology that has, at times, perpetuated the objectification of women, homophobia, and violence.

But times are changing, aren’t they, and it’s a handful of young artists that are driving change. From Frank Ocean coming out as bisexual in 2012, to Young Thug wearing a dress on his album cover in 2016, the hip-hop world is shifting with the times and ushering in a new era of masculinity through the celebration of queer culture. At the front of this squad is superstar rapper Lil Nas X, who through his music, encourages the younger generation to be open, express themselves, and rethink stigmas and stereotypes.

Everything from his lyrics, to his style, the openly gay 23-year-old Black American musician, embodies the redefinition of modern masculinity. Paving the way for the world, let alone the hip-hop world, to continue to dispel traditional notions of masculinity.

From overnight success to quick changemaker…

From famously sleeping on his sister’s floor, to becoming an internationally celebrated icon in less than a year, with his 2019 smash hit, country rap single “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X’s rise has been nothing but meteoric.

But, unlike other artists who reveal their sexuality years after they’ve become household names, the multi-Grammy Award winner came out as gay at the height of his popularity, following the success of “Old Town Road.” On June 30, 2019, he Tweeted on the last day of American Pride Month. “Some of ya’ll already know, some of ya’ll don’t care, some of ya’ll not gone fwm no more. But before this month ends I want ya’ll to listen closely to Closure.”

In doing so, Lil Nas X became the only artist to come out while having a number one record. The celebrated song spent 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the longest-running number-one song since the chart began back in 1958. Solidifying its success, Lil Nas X was the most-nominated male artist at the 62Nd Annual Grammy Awards, where he won awards for Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. He was also the first openly LGBT Black artist to win a Country Music Association Award, in November 2019.

In the years since the song achieved viral popularity and topped music charts, Lil Nas X’s 2021 debut studio album Montero – which he announced on social media where he famously appeared pregnant – has also been met with raving success. It includes the chart-topping singles “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” which was followed up with a nomination for Album of the Year at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

The 2021-released music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” flamboyantly celebrates gay culture and Lil Nas X’s sexual orientation through his costume choice – a rhinestone-covered bodysuit, thigh-high boots, and colourful wigs – and through reimaginations of Christian imagery. The video was as much of a hit as the song was – and at a time when anti-trans legislation was introduced south of the border, nonetheless.

With his career momentum – and strong social media presence – Lil Nas X’s fame continues to rise. After weeks of teasing and online chatter, he and rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again have recently partnered to release their highly anticipated single “Late To Da Party” via Columbia Records. With YoungBoy Never Broke Again currently on house arrest, Lil Nas X put his famous meme-making mastery and video editing to create the song’s official video. He also is on his first-ever, and sold-out, tour which officially kicked off this past September in Detroit. Produced by Live Nation, the Long Live Montero tour will make stops across North America and Europe this fall and serve to celebrate the massive success of Montero.

Redefining both hip-hop culture and gender norms in fashion…

Lil Nas X has become just as well-known for his passion for fashion as for his music. If there’s ever a question that we’re moving further in the direction of genderless and sustainable fashion, one only needs to look at the celebration of his style. Lil Nas X shamelessly rocks over-the-top wigs, flamboyant nail art, colourful suits, dramatic lip colours, and bold face makeup.

Not long after he shot to fame, Lil Nas X partnered with designer Christian Cowan for the creation of a gender fluid fashion collection for spring 2021. The progressive line delivered important messaging on matters like Black and trans rights, yet offered a fun and lively aesthetic. Furthermore, Lil Nas X also partnered with famed makeup artist James Charles to create a video whereby Charles created a work-of-art makeup job on the rapper..

Most recently on the collaboration front, Lil Nas X made his debut as the newest face of Coach earlier this fall. In September, the House debuted Stuart Vevers’ Spring 2023 collection with a runway show in New York City. As part of the presentation, the House also unveiled Lil Nas X as a new global ambassador for Coach in his first-ever runway appearance. The first ambassador to be announced within the House’s new chapter of Expressive Luxury and its vision of inspiring confidence in the next generation, Lil Nas X will continue to bring to life the House’s legacy of innovation and courageous self-expression through campaigns, collections, and more.

In October, Coach unveiled the short film titled “Courage to Be Real,” starring Lil Nas X and directed by Toronto-born Petra Collins. The new campaign film features Lil Nas X’s latest single, “Star Walkin,” and reinforces Coach’s mission to embrace all aspects of who you are with confidence. This will continue to be brought to life through future campaigns, introduced in part by the brand’s evolved Expressive Luxury positioning.

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The relentless voice of queer culture…

The fact that Lil Nas X has managed to solidify his status as a famed queer hip-hop artist along with the quick rise of his star reveals a collective embrace of change both within the music industry and among consumers. While he’s faced backlash from everyone including fellow rappers to politicians and religious groups, he has forever changed the hip-hop world and will continue to do so. And if anyone tries to stand in his way, we can be sure we’ll hear from the outspoken artist loud and clear.

Credits

Words by Erin Davis, directed by and in collaboration with Steven Branco and Samir Mourani. Photography courtesy of Sony Entertainment Canada and Coach, and respective photographers credited accordingly. Art by Steven Branco. Special thank you to the Sony Entertainment Canada, Coach and Jane Gil PR teams for their support.

The post Hip-Hop outlier Lil Nas X redefines modern masculinity appeared first on GENT'S POST.