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Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is regarded as one of the best drivers in F1 history. Not only is he praised for his class-apart talent on the track, he often gains recognition for the man he is and the choices he makes off-track.
The Briton started his career in F1 in 2007 with McLaren and will be entering his 16th season in 2022, competing for Mercedes in his eighth year with the team. In 2021, Hamilton devastatingly lost his first opportunity to take a record-breaking eighth championship win. On the controversial final lap of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, he was pipped to the win by Max Verstappen. Ever since, speculation regarding the 36-year-old's future in the sport and beyond has taken over the F1 community.
The Dutchman was the first to truly challenge Lewis Hamilton in a long time. Fans now fear that this could possibly mark the end of an era for the Mercedes driver who has simply dominated the sport. A time, however, does come in everyone's lives where priorities and focus shift and one moves on to a new phase. In this article, we talk of reasons why Hamilton might look at life beyond the sport.
#1 Lewis Hamilton's dismay at the FIA
The 2021 season has seen multiple controversies in terms of decisions taken by the FIA and F1 race stewards. Some of these decisions have come during the race, some in the aftermath of one. Quite a few of them, however, have affected Lewis Hamilton and his racing throughout the season.
The last lap showdown at the season finale in Abu Dhabi was a prime example of incongruous decision-making that left fans of the sport with a bitter taste. Earlier, untoward incidents involving the two title contenders at the British and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix did not see much of a penalty for the erring side.
The lack of uniformity in following the rules throughout the season, especially concerning track limits, did not help at all. Reprimandable incidents involving these limits were often overlooked, especially seen in the last three races of the season.
Consequently, it is a well-known fact now that Lewis Hamilton has been left feeling dismayed at the FIA. So much so that he went on to call the end to the final race ‘manipulated.’ Events like these could potentially demotivate drivers like the Briton who come to race fair and square. When the proceedings are not by the book, it may seem futile for drivers, including Hamilton, to continue in the sport.
#2 Taking forward his activism and advocacy
Lewis Hamilton is the first black driver to race competitively in F1 and took the world by storm in his debut season. Now that the Briton has made his mark, he is using his platform to voice his opinions, start conversations and stand up for equality through political activism.
Lewis Hamilton has been an instrumental part of the Black Lives Matter movement and promoted his anti-racism message, prompting the world to do the same. Additionally, the Mercedes driver has taken every opportunity to promote the rights of the LGBTQ+, especially in times where it was desperately needed. Driving with a "pride helmet" at the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Hamilton voiced his concerns over the criminalization of same-sex relations in the country. He has been recognized for his advocacy and is making a monumental change in society using his influence as the world champion of a global sport. He is only expected to continue doing so even beyond F1.
#3 His leanings towards an artistic path with fashion and music
Lewis Hamilton is arguably the biggest name in F1. The Briton has, however, also made a mark as a fashion icon, serving bold looks in the paddock and on the red carpet. When he is not racing, his attention is usually occupied by the world of fashion. Using clothing and accessories to express himself, the Mercedes driver attracts eyeballs for his adventurous and often striking outfits.
Additionally, the 36-year-old earlier featured in American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera's "Pipe", under the name "XNDA". Music has always been a significant part of Lewis Hamilton's routine and day-to-day life, and his appreciation for music goes beyond a hobby.
Should he look at life beyond racing, the immense commercial opportunities in fashion and music, combined with his passion for them, could seem attractive to the Briton. Whether or not the multi-time F1 champion will pursue a different career path beyond racing or not, only time will tell.
