Lewis Hamilton and tennis queen Serena Williams absolutely adore each other. Having risen to the top against the most difficult of circumstances, they both derive inspiration from each other’s journeys. Having endured racist abuse while growing up and sometimes even after achieving it all, they are vocal on the subject. As Serena was once subjected to another instance of abuse at the hands of a former tennis player, she gave a befitting reply which had Lewis’ complete backing.

Williams married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2017. That same year, Serena gave birth to their daughter Olympia. While she was still carrying, former world no. 1, Ilie Nastase made some unsavory remarks on the race of her unborn child. The comments were made in light of Serena being a black woman and her husband white.

Williams posted an emphatic response to the comments on her Instagram. The tennis star got her good friend Lewis’ unapologetic backing. Speaking ahead of the 2017 Russian GP, Hamilton said, “I’m very much with her in what she said.

“I thought it was beautiful what she wrote as a powerful, independent black woman. I just think she’s awesome. She’s not only one of the greatest people I know, but she’s just a born leader and so rather than react in a negative way, reading what she’s written just inspires me and hopefully inspires others.”

Read More: Sneaky Lewis Hamilton Spotted at Unlikely Birthday Party as the Internet Reacts to New Relationship

The respect has never been one-sided between the duo. Serena holds Lewis in very high regard as well. She once praised him for his determination and commitment to excel in his respective sport.

Serena’s emphatic reply to Nastase’s comments

The International Tennis Federation launched an investigation and provisionally banned him from all International Tennis Federation events. Williams lauded the swift action from the ruling body.

On her Instagram, she wrote, “It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers.”

“I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words … you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air I will rise.”

Watch This Story: From Shaquille O’Neal to Serena Williams: Celebrities who Attended the 2021 US Grand Prix

Serena’s response earned respect from fans and fellow athletes alike. It was nice to see that when it came to a serious issue like racism, someone like Lewis Hamilton was there to lend his support as well.