Lewis Hamilton has called on Formula 1 to evolve, arguing that drivers are “bound” by restrictive contracts that prevent them from even speaking to rival teams – a system he believes must change to complement the sport’s rapid commercial growth.
Over the years, the British driver has leveraged his platform to drive meaningful change across the sport and beyond.
In 2020, he launched the Hamilton Commission to identify and tackle the underrepresentation of black individuals and minorities in motorsport and STEM fields.
That initiative led to F1’s first-ever Diversity & Inclusion charter, endorsed by all ten teams and the FIA, committing the sport to more equitable opportunities.
Hamilton has also championed human rights and sustainability, calling attention to conditions in host countries, advocating for environmental action, and using his Mission 44 and Ignite charities to promote STEM education and inclusion for underrepresented youth.
In a recent interview, the seven-time World Champion was asked what legacy he would like to leave behind when he eventually calls time on his illustrious career.
Hamilton, however, moved the conversation away from personal accolades, making clear that legacy is not his priority.
“No, that’s not my goal – that’s not what I’m focused on,” he told RTBF. “I never really talk about legacy, it’s not my thing.
“I’m often asked that question, but I don’t think that way. When I was young, I used to say, ‘I want to be remembered as one of the best F1 drivers.’
“Today, I think differently. What I focus on is what I can contribute concretely.”
Hamilton pushes for change both on and off the track
The 40-year-old isn’t just aiming to inspire change on a global scale; he’s also focused on evolving F1 from within itself.
“I also think that the F1 system needs to evolve,” he added. “Drivers are bound by contracts that prevent them from talking to other teams. They can’t even talk to other teams.
“F1 has grown enormously, with revenues skyrocketing from £700 million to over £3 billion.
“This growth is not reflected in all employees’ salaries, which have not kept pace with the business.”
Hamilton’s comments on restrictive driver contracts carry extra weight given the high-profile move he made this year, leaving Mercedes for Ferrari – a decision that has yet to pay dividends on track.
But for the Briton, sparking change in F1 also goes far beyond the driver market.
“There is still a significant lack of diversity in the paddock,” he explained, “and many things still need to change in our sport.
“In the past, drivers like Niki Lauda pushed for greater safety. Today, we need to create more access and more opportunities.
“When we visit all these countries, we must avoid leaving a mess behind.
“There should be upcycling and a proper recycling system. Every weekend, food is wasted. Meanwhile, people are dying of hunger. We can work with food banks to redistribute it.
“There are so many positive things we can do here. Not everything has been done yet, and that’s normal. It’s not about being perfect, but about making progress every year.
“I think that’s my role; I can get into the right rooms.
“Sometimes people tell me, ‘Shut up and drive.’ But that’s not me. I drive, yes, but I also do more – I can meet with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom or even a president if necessary – I can enter important rooms and have difficult conversations.
“That’s just how I am, and that’s how I’ll continue to be.”
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