Lewis Hamilton admits he felt like ‘an outsider’ growing up

‘Now I don’t mind not fitting in’: Lewis Hamilton admits he felt like ‘an outsider’ growing up as he stars in BBC’s Young, Black and British

Lewis Hamilton has reflected on feeling like an ‘outsider’ growing up as he stars in CBBC’s special Young, Black and British.

The Formula One star, 35, is set to share his experience as a child who became the racing class’ first ever black driver in the Newsround documentary, which will air as part of Black History Month.

In the special Lewis speaks with three teenagers who have created a manifesto outlining changes they want to see for black children in the UK, who also meet with other stars including DJ Ace, YouTuber Nissy Tee and DJ Sideman.

Opening up: Lewis Hamilton has reflected on feeling like an ‘outsider’ growing up as he stars in CBBC’s special Young, Black and British.

Speaking in the documentary via. video call, Lewis reflects in growing up as black child and the changes he’d like to see in his sport following heightened interest in the Black Lives Matter movement.

The racing champion also reveals his own ambition to increase diversity in the sport, including drivers and his support team.

He says: ‘In my team, there’s nearly 2,000 people and we have a very small percentage of minorities currently but I’m trying to encourage change from within. 

Speaking out: The Formula One star is set to share his experience as a child who became the racing class' first ever black driver in CBBC's Young, Black and British

Speaking out: The Formula One star is set to share his experience as a child who became the racing class’ first ever black driver in CBBC’s Young, Black and British

‘I’m speaking to people who hire people for the team and asking why it’s not very diverse.’

Lewis then discusses how it felt being the only black driver on the racing track, saying: ‘We were always the first and only black family on the scene, I thought that me being there and representing us would create a new pathway to get to the sport but there’s still so many obstacles, so many barriers.’

Recalling his time at school, when he was just one of three children in his class, Lewis added: ‘I always felt like an outsider, like a misfit. As I got older, I realised I don’t actually mind not fitting in.’

Let's talk: In the special Lewis speaks with three teenagers who have created a manifesto outlining changes they want to see for black children in the UK

Let’s talk: In the special Lewis speaks with three teenagers who have created a manifesto outlining changes they want to see for black children in the UK

Speaking out: Speaking in the documentary via. video call, Lewis reflects in growing up as black child and the changes he'd like to see in his sport following heightened interest in the Black Lives Matter movement

Speaking out: Speaking in the documentary via. video call, Lewis reflects in growing up as black child and the changes he’d like to see in his sport following heightened interest in the Black Lives Matter movement

Young, Black and British will focus on teenagers Isaiah, 13, Mandi, 13, and Zionne, 14, who have penned a manifesto to try and bring about change in the wake of the Black Lives Matter Movement.

It comes after Lewis was in Germany for the Eifel Grand Prix, held at the iconic Nürburgring motorsports complex. 

Officially, the German Grand Prix is on hiatus this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the Eifel Grand Prix – named after a nearby mountain range – replacing it.   

Watch Young, Black & British – Hear Us, a Newsround Special, on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd October, 6:05pm on CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

Win: It comes after Lewis was in Germany for the Eifel Grand Prix, held at the iconic Nürburgring motorsports complex

Win: It comes after Lewis was in Germany for the Eifel Grand Prix, held at the iconic Nürburgring motorsports complex