SIR Lewis Hamilton welcomed Mercedes junior driver Kenzo Craigie into the garage at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix.
In an inspiring display of mentorship, Hamilton not only showcased his car but also allowed Craigie to sit in the cockpit, offering the young driver a memorable experience.
Hamilton shared the moment on Instagram, captioning it: “Proud to have Kenzo with us in Austin. Always inspiring to see and support the next gen. Well done on your karting world championship, so much more to come @kenzocraigie44.”
As the first and only Black driver in Formula 1, Hamilton has long been committed to nurturing diverse talent in the sport. During a special event at the Circuit of the Americas, he took Craigie on a thrilling hot lap, allowing the young driver to experience the speed and precision that define F1.
Craigie, a talented karting sensation within the Mercedes junior driver program, said the experience “was unbelievable".
“To be in the car with Lewis, someone I’ve looked up to my entire life, and feel the speed and control he has—it’s something I’ll never forget. It’s made me even more determined to keep pushing and improving so that one day I can be the one driving in Formula 1," he said.
Before hitting the track, the seven-time World Champion shared invaluable advice with Craigie, emphasising the mental aspects of racing. “It’s really special to have the chance to bring young talents like Kenzo along for experiences like this,” Hamilton remarked. “When I was coming up, I had mentors who helped me along the way, and I want to do the same for the next generation. It’s not just about speed; it’s about how you approach racing mentally and how you handle yourself on and off the track.”
Hamilton, who has been with Mercedes since 2013, has become a global ambassador for F1, advocating for diversity and opportunity for young drivers from all backgrounds.
Hamilton’s legacy will be measured not only by his on-track achievements but also by his impact on aspiring drivers like Kenzo Craigie, who are eager to follow in his footsteps.
In a 2014 piece for the BBC, Hamilton reflected on his groundbreaking role: “When I first started in Formula 1, I tried to ignore the fact I was the first black guy ever to race in the sport. But, as I've got older, I've really started to appreciate the implications. It's a pretty cool feeling to be the person to knock down a barrier—just like the Williams sisters did in tennis or Tiger Woods in golf.
"I get kids from all different cultures and nationalities coming up to me now, all wanting to be F1 drivers. They feel the sport is open to everyone.”
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