Reigning F1 champ Lewis Hamilton features on the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2020 after he was named by NASCAR racer Bubba Wallace.
This is the second instance for Hamilton to be part of the TIME 100 Most Influential People as the last time he did so was in 2016, when named by Mario Andretti. This time, it is NASCAR racer Wallace, who has penned down some wise words for the Brit.
“Lewis Hamilton is someone I’ve idolized,” wrote Wallace. “He’s poised to win his seventh Formula One championship this season, tying Michael Schumacher’s record. Seven is a magic number in racing. Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty have each won seven NASCAR season titles.
“Lewis, 35, is young enough to keep winning championships and setting new all-time records. I’m the only Black driver in NASCAR’s top level. So Lewis’ example—as the lone Black F1 driver—is particularly meaningful for me. He shows we’re out there doing it. To see him conquering the track damn near every weekend, it motivates me to try to do the same.
“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. Lewis’ mental preparation, his aura, his ability to capitalize 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 is named under ‘Titans’, whereas the last time it was under ‘Icons’. The only other F1 racer to feature on TIME 100 Most Influential People list is Michael Schumacher – whose seven titles record the Brit will equal in 2020 (and probably pass too, in time to come).
The German was named by Nick Mason under ‘Heroes & Icons’ then. Apart from the racers, the current Mercedes F1 technical chief James Allison also found himself part of the list in the past, as did Daimler head Dieter Zetsche and Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne.
Here’s the full 2020 list: https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2020/
Here’s F1 2020 stats and information so far: https://formularapida.net/f1-key-statistics-and-information-from-2020-season-so-far/
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