By Bryn Lennon Contributor Doug Melville
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 03: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari is interviewed … More during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 03, 2025 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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This Fourth of July weekend, as Americans celebrate Independence Day, across the pond at the F1 British Grand Prix, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s foundation, Mission 44, is taking the time to celebrate change.
More specifically, lives changed.
With the growing momentum of F1 internationally, an estimated 480,000 international and local motorsport fans will attend the four-day Grand Prix at Silverstone, 70 miles outside of London. Yet there’s a different kind of momentum building off the track. At the heart of this shift is Sir Lewis Hamilton, the legendary seven-time F1 World Champion, whose Mission44 foundation is fueling access, equity and opportunity for underrepresented youth across the globe through giving back. And it may just be this work off the track that redefines his legacy and what it means to be a global icon.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes celebrates … More on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 07, 2024 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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A Vision For Change
Hamilton’s journey from being born and raised in Stevenage, a quiet English town north of London, to the global stage of Formula 1 is a testament to resilience, talent and opportunity. But for many young people, breaking social and economic barriers are insurmountable, even when the talent is there. That is where this story begins.
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Founded in 2021, Mission44 was born out of a moment of social reckoning and recognition that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. Black Lives Matter had catalyzed conversations worldwide, and instead of leveraging protests and politics, Hamilton chose purpose. “Beyond my achievements on track, the most important thing for me is to know I played my part in building a fairer, more equitable world,” Hamilton stated in their latest annual report. And his commitment wasn’t symbolic—it was structural. Seeding the charity with £20 million of his own money, Hamilton began constructing a blueprint for systemic change, tackling barriers in education, employment and social mobility.
The charity’s mission is to support and champion young people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed—from funding scholarships to creating mentorship programs that address the systemic inequities that hold so many back.
Four years later, over 350,000 young people have been touched globally, with over 40 organizations receiving support or grants. And this is well beyond the U.K. Mission44’s global footprint now includes activations in Brazil, across the United States, and throughout Italy, targeting three vital sectors: inclusive education, access to STEM and motorsport careers and youth empowerment.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 4: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari walks in the paddock … More during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 4, 2025 in Northampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images)
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Silverstone as a Platform for Purpose
Behind the roar of engines, smell of burning rubber, and electric (albeit somewhat wet) atmosphere of the 2025 British Grand Prix, Mission44 was working behind the scenes, through a series of events and activations designed and set up to engage fans, raise awareness and drive change off the track.
STEM Workshops: In collaboration with local schools, the foundation hosted hands-on STEM workshops at the track, giving young people a glimpse into the world of engineering, technology and innovation. These workshops were designed to spark curiosity and show students that a career in motorsport—or any STEM field—is within their reach.
Diversity in Motorsport Panels: Hamilton and a panel of industry leaders hosted discussions on the importance of diversity in motorsports, exploring the challenges faced by underrepresented groups throughout the industry while highlighting the steps being taken to create a more inclusive environment.
Community Engagement: Mission44 set up a dedicated space at Silverstone where fans engaged with interactive exhibits, storytelling sessions and opportunities to donate through merchandise purchases or at large while learning about the charity’s work, meet beneficiaries and find out how they too can get involved.
Spotlighting Diverse Creators: In partnership with local UK artists and creators, Mission44 showcased influencers who have viral exposure by giving them access to partners, to amplify their voices and to enrich the Silverstone experience.
Each of Us Has A Role To Play
Despite the current political atmosphere, the business case for inclusion remains strong. Studies consistently show that diverse teams outperform their homogeneous counterparts, driving innovation and improving financial performance. Pew Research found that 86% of workers have a neutral-to-favorable opinion about increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Companies that abandon these efforts risk alienating employees, customers and stakeholders who value representation and fairness.
Which is why foundations like Mission44, and leaders like Sir Lewis Hamilton, are more important than ever. Those to whom much is given have an opportunity to continue to push and drive change toward a world in which the power of giving back can be transformative, on both large and small levels.
So, during a weekend in which many Americans celebrate independence and freedom, let’s also take time celebrate the individuals and organizations working to ensure those ideals of freedom and opportunity are accessible to all.
We all have a part to play—and with leaders like Sir Lewis Hamilton at the helm, the race for equity is just as important as the race for the checkered flag.
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