Lewis Hamilton and the British Prime Minister Unite for Educational Reform
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has joined forces with the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, to address education reform. This initiative is part of Hamilton’s charitable mission, Mission 44.
Hamilton founded Mission 44 in 2021 with the aim of building a more inclusive future for young people, especially in the school environment and in areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).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 these conversations, the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK government will develop a framework to increase student participation.
“I am grateful that, following this meeting, the government has committed to working with Mission 44 to drive change and make the education system more inclusive. I am very proud of how far Mission 44 has come in such a short time and of the opportunity we have to transform the lives of vulnerable students across the country.”Hamilton added: “This is a moment when we have to turn words into action. That is the fundamental reason why I created Mission 44, because, perhaps in a very similar way to [others in the room], I come from a working-class family, I have gone through a normal school education and, ultimately, it failed me. I was expelled and marginalized.” I see, 25 years later, that this is still happening. There is much work to be done, but this is only the beginning.“I struggled in school and never felt like my voice was heard, which is why I know firsthand that it’s vital to ensure every student feels like they belong in school,” Hamilton said.
Lewis Hamilton
After the meeting, the Prime Minister stated: “I want to thank Lewis; this was his idea, this is his legacy. He has inspired generations and is now using that influence on this project, which is designed to make a real difference in the lives of young people across the country.”
Hamilton launched Mission 44 with a promise of $20 million of his own money.
It was launched with the aim of “supporting organizations and programs that reduce the gap in employment and education systems, through partnerships, collaborations, grant-making, and advocacy.”At the time of its launch, Hamilton expressed: “In my early years, I experienced firsthand how coming from an underrepresented background can affect your future, but, fortunately for me, I was able to overcome those obstacles through opportunity and support. I want to ensure that other young people from similar backgrounds can do the same.”
Hamilton, the only black driver in F1, is statistically the most successful, with a combined record of seven championships and an individual record of 105 Grand Prix victories.
