Lewis Hamilton calls for greater empathy towards African refugees after emotional visit

Mozambique hosts over 33,000 refugees, 830,000 displaced people due to conflicts and natural disasters, reports UNHCR

Lewis Hamilton has raised his voice in support of refugees and displaced individuals in Africa, criticising the lack of empathy shown towards them in the UK. 

The seven-time Formula One world champion expressed his concern after an emotional journey across the continent during the sport's summer break, where he pledged to explore ways he could offer his support.

Hamilton shared his thoughts ahead of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix, the first race since the F1 summer shutdown. 

During his break, the British driver traveled to Africa, visiting Senegal, Morocco, and the Maratane refugee settlement in northern Mozambique. There, he witnessed firsthand the efforts of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

When asked about the recognition of the refugee crisis in the UK, Hamilton did not hold back in his response. "Absolutely, 1,000%. If you haven't seen it, experienced it, or spoken to someone deeply affected by it, it's impossible to imagine. We definitely need more empathy," he remarked. 

"I've been to Africa before, so this isn't the first time I've been confronted by the harsh realities. It really gets me thinking. It's inspiring to see organisations like the UNHCR doing such vital work, and it makes me wonder: 'How can I get involved, how can I help?' That's what I'm focusing on now."

The UNHCR reports that Mozambique is home to over 33,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with more than 830,000 people displaced due to conflicts and natural disasters. 

Hamilton, who has consistently spoken out on social issues, including equality and diversity, and has invested in initiatives to promote these causes within F1, was deeply moved by what he witnessed.

"I'm still processing the trip," he admitted. "Visiting a refugee camp, seeing the impact on displaced people—it’s one thing to read about it or see it on the news, but to actually speak to children who walk 10km to school each day, then back again, just to get an education—that’s something else entirely.

"Life is incredibly tough there, especially for women and children. Many of the men have been killed or taken due to the ongoing conflicts. It was a heavy, eye-opening experience."

Hamilton also reiterated his long-standing desire for F1 to host a race in Africa, a continent he believes has been overlooked. "We can’t keep adding races in other parts of the world while ignoring Africa," he said. 

"The world takes so much from Africa and gives so little back. There's so much work to be done there. Many people who haven't visited don't realize how beautiful and vast the continent is. Hosting a grand prix in Africa would shine a light on its greatness and boost tourism and other industries. So, why aren't we racing there?" he added.