Discrimination and racial abuse are unfortunately still a part of modern society, and it is a massive shame that one of the greatest racing drivers of all time has been subject to such vile abuse.
Lewis Hamilton has spoken about his struggles as a youth trying to make it into Formula 1, being discriminated against on his journey to the pinnacle of motorsport.
The seven-time world champion has set up his own foundation in recent years called the Mission 44 Foundation, which Hamilton donated £20m to last year alone.
The foundation looks to support those who are discriminated against or disadvantaged, as Hamilton seeks to ensure that people do not experience the shocking challenges that he did at a younger age.
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When speaking about his upbringing on a recent podcast, the 38-year-old revealed that the most traumatising point of his life has nothing to do with Formula 1, but instead dates back to his school days.
“I was already being bullied at the age of six. I think at the time of that particular school, I was probably one of three kids of colour, and just bigger and stronger bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time,” Hamilton told the On Purpose with Jeff Shetty podcast.
“And then the constant jabs, things are either thrown at you like bananas, or people that would use the n-word just so relaxed. People calling you half-caste and you know, just really not knowing where you fit in. That for me, was difficult.
“When you go into history class and everything you learn in history, there are no pictures of people of colour in the history that they were teaching us. So, I was thinking, ‘oh, well, where are the people that look like me?’”
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Hamilton explained that he managed to use racing as an outlet for his anger and emotion, seeing his time on the track as a chance to escape the horrors of his school life.
The seven-time world champion is still the only black driver on the Formula 1 grid and is constantly pushing for equal opportunities within the sport, be that people of colour or women.
Social media has also been a very powerful tool for the Brit in encouraging change but he has admitted that he cannot do it on his own, and needs the help of his fellow drivers if he is to truly make a positive impact on the world.