Formula One star Lewis Hamilton been listed among Time magazine’s most influential people of 2020.
The Mercedes driver is joined on the list by some other athletes of colour, including tennis star Naomi Osaka and sprinter Allyson Felix.
Hamilton said he was “proud to be included” in the list, having been named in the Titan’s category.
His profile on Time was written by Bubba Wallace, who is the only black driver in the American Nascar stock-car series.
Wallace was in awe of the FI world champion, saying his success in the sport was an inspiration to all black people.
Lewis Hamilton has been listed as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of 2020 🌎 pic.twitter.com/w7DQ2xYw1V
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) September 23, 2020
“His activism has also moved the world. Lewis has brought international attention to the Black Lives Matter movement, through his advocacy on social media and at F1 events,” he said.
“Lewis’ mental preparation, his aura, his ability to capitalise on every opportunity to use his platform to drive out racism are more than just a model for race-car drivers and other athletes. He’s an inspiration for everyone.”
Hamilton has never backed down from campaigning against police brutality and racial injustices.
Naomi Osaka was named one of @TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2020 in part for her activism and on-court achievement at the US Open.
Congratulations, @naomiosaka! #Time100 pic.twitter.com/lWzoERCS0I
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 23, 2020
In July, he unveiled a Black Lives Matter tribute helmet which he’d be wearing for the 2020 F1 season.
The 35-year-old Brit remains the only black driver in F1 history.
