Sir Lewis Hamilton hosts first fundraiser for his charity and vows to "work to build a fairer, more inclusive future" for young people

SIR Lewis Hamilton has pledged to keep working towards creating “a fairer, more inclusive future” for young people, following the resounding success of his charity’s first-ever fundraiser

The 39-year-old Formula 1 champion founded Mission 44 to tackle social injustice and empower young people from underserved communities to succeed and break down the barriers that limit opportunity for young people, with a focus on education, employment, and representation in fields like STEM and motorsport. 

Despite already investing £5.5 million in helping young people around the world, he said “we’re still only getting started”

The Reimagining the Future event, hosted by F1 presenter Ariana Bravo, featured unique performances, discussions, and immersive experiences that highlighted the charity’s commitment to creating a more inclusive future

In an Instagram post following the event, Hamilton shared his pride in Mission 44’s progress: “Proud and honoured to celebrate the work and impact of @mission44 at the annual Reimagining the Future night. It was amazing to share the stage with the passionate students we’re working with to build a better world. We’re already seeing a big impact in so many lives, and we’re still only getting started. We’ll continue to grow and work to build a fairer, more inclusive future."

Mission 44 was born out of The Hamilton Commission, a report Hamilton funded in 2020 following the Black Lives Matter movement. The report, which explored the lack of Black representation in UK motorsport, highlighted systemic barriers in education and employment. Hamilton, deeply moved by the findings, was determined to not just highlight these issues but actively work to overcome them.

“The Hamilton Commission found barriers all through the education and employment pathways. It was really important to me not just to identify problems but also do something about them,” Hamilton told British Vogue.

Through grant-giving and partnerships, Mission 44 works to dismantle these barriers and provide support to young people facing disadvantages, particularly those from underrepresented groups. "But it’s not just about changing motorsport," Hamilton added. "Our goal is to give [young people] the opportunity to thrive, no matter what their dreams are."

In 2025, Mission 44 will expand its efforts in Brazil, Italy, and the US, aiming to reach thousands more young people.