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Using Shattered $8Bn Dream as Fuel, Lewis Hamilton Uniquely Supports FIA Penalty to Intensify Diversity Efforts

Published 10/20/2023, 6:06 AM EDT

As the sun sets on the Austin Grand Prix track, a familiar shimmer emerges, transcending the radiant Texas horizon. It’s not just the afterglow of a hard-fought race; it’s the twinkle of a champion’s unyielding spirit. Lewis Hamilton, amidst the backdrop of the FIA’s new million-euro curveball, finds a novel way to champion the cause of diversity. This isn’t just the staggering jump in penalties, now quadrupled from its original cap, that’s left many of his contemporaries both puzzled and bemused. For Hamilton, the narrative dives deeper, challenging where this money should truly make an impact.

The track’s heat and elevated stakes amplify the fervor of the FIA’s twist, sending ripples of chatter throughout the paddock. Yet, in the midst of the clamor, Hamilton’s perspective offers a refreshing shift: viewing penalties not just as punitive measures but as opportunities to catalyze change. The shattered $8Bn dream of a standalone Women’s F1 (aka. W Series), while mere debris for some, serves as Hamilton’s fuel. It propels not just a race for the finish line, but a drive to ensure everyone has an equitable shot at the starting grid. The Formula 1 storyline is undeniably evolving. And it’s steering towards a trajectory that promises inclusivity and anticipation.

Racing beyond the fine: Lewis Hamilton and the drive for a greater cause

In a world where drivers are flabbergasted at the audacity of a fine that outstrips the annual earnings of some of their peers, the FIA’s move to bump up the maximum penalty to a million euros has made quite the splash. However, Hamilton’s voice rose with a different tune.

#F1: The FIA formally raised the maximum limit for fines that stewards can issue at grand prix weekends, quadrupling the limit from €250,000 to €1 million.
Lewis Hamilton: “I think when it comes to things like this, we really need to be thinking [about] the message that sends…
— deni (@fiagirly) October 19, 2023

“We do need to be thinking about the message that sends out to those watching,” said the seven-time champion, clearly insinuating that there’s a broader picture to consider. He firmly believes that any proceeds from such fines should channel into something more constructive within the realm of motorsport.

“If they are going to be fining a million, let’s make sure 100% goes to a good cause. There is a lot of money in this industry and there is a lot more we need to do in terms of creating better accessibility and diversity. That’s the only way they’ll get that million from me.”

As Fernando Alonso Accuses F1 of Age Old Demons, Max Verstappen Questions FIA Amid Lewis Hamilton’s Penalty Saga

Speaking of initiatives and aspirations, Hamilton, a vocal advocate for diversity, recently took a poignant detour, paying a visit to the F1 Academy.

Lewis Hamilton x F1 Academy: Pure joy and support

The academy’s X account erupted in joy, sharing, “A true ground-breaker in world sport drops by the paddock for a special visit. Great to welcome @LewisHamilton into the paddock ahead of the race weekend.”

A true ground-breaker in world sport drops by the paddock for a special visit.
Great to welcome @LewisHamilton into the paddock ahead of the race weekend.#F1Academy pic.twitter.com/BXzTNW2hNE
— F1 Academy (@f1academy) October 19, 2023

This rendezvous wasn’t just another PR pit stop, but Hamilton mingling with the F1 Academy girls. It was a moment symbolizing the $8Bn dream of the W series, where ambitions and hopes for a more inclusive motorsport future glisten.

So, while the world of F1 might be revving its engines at the staggering new fine, Hamilton is steering the conversation towards a finish line where everyone wins. And if this journey is fueled by shattered dreams worth $8Bn, well, Hamilton seems all set to use that as his nitrous boost.

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Written by:

Pulkit is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a strong academic background in engineering, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanics and technology driving Formula 1. This expertise allows him to offer insightful analysis, exploring the technical aspects of the sport and shedding light on the innovative advancements that shape the world of F1.

Edited by:

Vishav