Hamilton and Starmer debate education reform: Impact of Mission 44

Lewis Hamilton and the British Prime Minister Unite for Education Reform

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has joined forces with the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to address educational reform, promoting Hamilton’s charitable initiative. In 2021, Hamilton established Mission 44, an organization with the mission of creating a more inclusive future for young people, focusing especially on education and STEM subjects. The Ferrari driver met with the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, at 10 Downing Street, to discuss how the vision of Mission 44 could be integrated into government policies. As a result of this meeting, the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK government will develop a framework to increase student participation.

I struggled in school and never felt my voice was heard, which is why I know firsthand that it’s vital to ensure every student feels they belong at school.

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the government’s commitment to collaborate with Mission 44 to implement changes that make the education system more inclusive. In a social media post, Hamilton shared his reflections on the meeting:

Post title: A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

Hamilton emphasized the need to turn words into action, which is why he created Mission 44. He added that, as someone who comes from a working-class family and experienced the shortcomings of the education system, he sees the urgent need to address the inequalities that persist.

The government’s focus will be on free breakfast clubs, better access to mental health support for students, and the incorporation of more teachers in classrooms, as well as seeking ways to increase overall school budgets. The Prime Minister, at the end of the meeting, thanked Hamilton for his initiative, highlighting how he has inspired generations and is now using his influence to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Hamilton launched Mission 44 with an initial donation of 20 million dollars. The goal of Mission 44 is to “support organizations and programs that reduce the gap in employment and education systems, through partnerships, collaborations, grant-making, and advocacy.” At the time of the launch, Hamilton stated his desire to ensure that other young people from similar backgrounds have the same opportunities as he had. Hamilton, the only black driver in Formula 1, is statistically the most successful, with a shared record of seven championships and an individual record of 105 grand prix wins.