FIFE, United Kingdom — Sir Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver who holds the record for most wins and pole positions. He has won the joint record for the number of Formula One Driver World Championship titles alongside Michael Schumacher. However, no one handed him this success on a silver platter, as he reveals he struggled massively at school due to his race and upbringing. The racing driver then founded Mission 44 in 2021 with the intention of promoting a more inclusive future for young people regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Areas of Priorities

  • Inclusive education: Build a more comprehensive education system that includes and supports every student equally.
  • STEM employment: Create equal opportunities for students by expanding motorsport and STEM access for low-income and minority students.
  • Youth empowerment: Encourage the younger generations to make an impact and make a difference.

According to Mission 44, since it launched in 2021, the charity has managed to reach 300,000 young people. It has awarded more than $7.7 million in grants to help improve STEM access for low-income and minority students.

Ferrari’s Partnership With HP

After the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, officials announced that Ferrari (for whom Hamilton drives) would be collaborating with the technology company HP Inc. This partnership aims to distribute computers, training and digital skills, which will assist low-income and minority students with STEM access. This partnership strives to expand digital equity for 150 million people by 2030.

Alongside HP, Mission 44 partnered with dozens of other companies and organizations. Some of these partners include The National Institute of Teaching, Royal Academy of Engineering, Motorsport U.K., Sky, The Black Women in Science Network and other international and foreign organizations.

Meeting With Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Hamilton met with Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in June 2025 to discuss education reform and frameworks to help support young people by increasing student support and pupil engagement. According to the Charity Commission for England and Wales, Donors and legacy supporters gave more than $5.39 million to Mission 44 from 2023-2024.

International Expansion

In 2023-2024, Mission 44 began to expand STEM access for low-income and minority students internationally. Mission 44 has managed to achieve this by awarding grants of more than $250,000 to six international charities and organizations; these efforts have positively impacted 3,450 young people.

By taking advantage of Hamilton’s stature, Mission 44 has used Hamilton’s reach to publicize itself to large audiences such as the São Paulo Grand Prix. The organization’s reach in Brazil has it supporting 3,000 adolescents in their career paths by hosting skills workshops, assisting with work placements and increasing youth participation in regions of Brazil.

In Conclusion

Hamilton’s journey from overcoming adversity to dominating Formula 1 is inspiring on its own. However, his legacy now extends far beyond the racetrack. Through Mission 44, he is actively breaking down systemic barriers and expanding STEM access for low-income and minority students around the world.

By leveraging powerful partnerships, securing substantial funding and engaging with policymakers and world leaders, Hamilton is advocating for a future where opportunity in STEM fields is not determined by socioeconomic status or background. Indeed, as Mission 44 continues to grow globally, it stands as a testament to how one individual’s platform can drive meaningful, measurable change for generations to come.

– Emma Dornan

Emma is based in Fife, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Picture: Flickr

Source link