Do not let the nickname Billion Dollar Man confuse you about the humble beginnings and struggles of Lewis Hamilton. The Briton may be one of the richest and best-paid drivers on the F1 grid, but it did not come easy.

The seven-time F1 world champion had to fight for everything he has today following his penurious beginning. However, the constant struggles and humble beginnings, despite the obvious talent behind the wheel, weren’t the only limiting factors. Lewis Hamilton has opened up multiple times about the racism he has faced throughout his life.

Despite the constant and long-lasting vocal battle against it, racism is still prevalent. Lewis Hamilton is a vocal advocate of such issues and always uses his platform to spread awareness. Recently, the Mercedes man used the same platform to share his experience as a person of color.

In a recent report by the United Nations refugee agency, he shared, “I had a tough time at school. I was told I wasn’t smart because of my background and the colour of my skin. Nobody knows this struggle more than a young refugee.”

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The refugee agency (UNHCR) is doing everything in its power to educate displaced refugees and provide young refugee kids with much-needed education. The report by the UN Refugee Agency covers stories of over 10 million displaced youth.

The 30th page of the report is dedicated to the story of Lewis Hamilton and all the Mercedes man has to say on the issue. However, this isn’t the first time Hamilton has spoken up about the importance of education.

Lewis Hamilton is making a difference with his commission and is fighting the fight for education

More than just speaking up, Lewis Hamilton also put his money where his mouth is and funded a study called the Hamilton Commission. Coming from a background of color, Hamilton always felt discrimination. Especially in the sport he loves, where he noticed there are hardly any people of color.

This study dove into the reasons behind a lack of diversity in motorsport and came up with an answer. The education system was the problem pointed out by the study. To rectify that, Lewis Hamilton started a charity called Mission 44, promoting STEM learning within various communities.

Lewis Hamilton hopes to increase diversity in motorsport through this initiative.

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The results might not be instant, but the study followed by the grants scheme and charity will surely make a difference in the long run.