Kamala Harris backs Lewis Hamilton after Trump ‘endorses’ F1 rival – The United States’ fascination with Formula One racing is becoming increasingly apparent, not just among fans but also in the political sphere. US Vice President Kamala Harris has revealed her admiration for British driver Lewis Hamilton, while her political rival Donald Trump appears to have thrown his support behind one of Hamilton’s rivals.
This unusual convergence of politics and motorsport shows just how far F1’s popularity has grown in the US, particularly since the explosion of interest sparked by the Netflix series *Drive to Survive*.
Kamala Harris and Her Affection for Formula One
As Formula 1 continues to grow its fan base in the U.S., it’s no surprise that celebrities are joining the wave of enthusiasm.
During a recent interview with Howard Stern on Sirius XM, Kamala Harris spoke candidly about her love for the sport. The Democratic presidential candidate expressed her enthusiasm for Formula One, even revealing that her family shares the passion.
“It’s so good – we love it, our whole family does,” Harris said during the conversation.
When Stern asked if this was part of her presidential campaign, Harris seemed surprised and quickly clarified, saying, “Oh, God, no! I haven’t been able to watch it much lately because I’m campaigning.”
This response reflected her genuine enjoyment of the sport outside of political obligations, though she admitted that her busy schedule and the timing of the race made it difficult for her to keep up with the action.
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A Loyal Lewis Hamilton Fan
It didn’t take long for the conversation to shift to Harris’ favorite driver. Without hesitation, she announced, “Lewis Hamilton, of course.”
Hamilton, the seven-time world champion and global ambassador for racial equality in sports, has amassed a significant following around the world, including in the U.S., where his advocacy for social justice aligns with Harris’s own values. Hamilton’s on-track success and off-track activism likely resonate with Harris, making him an obvious favorite.
Harris even encouraged Stern to give Formula One a chance, suggesting he might enjoy the spectacle.
“You should watch it, you might get hooked, it’s good stuff,” she quipped, emphasizing the thrill of the sport.
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Hamilton the black advocate
As the only black driver in the history of Formula One, Hamilton has long been a trailblazer in a sport often criticized for its lack of diversity. His involvement in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has extended his influence far beyond racing, making him a powerful voice for racial justice and equality.
Hamilton’s apparent commitment to racial justice came to the forefront in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd’s death sparked global protests and drew attention to the systemic racism and police brutality affecting black communities, particularly in the United States. Hamilton was deeply affected by these events, and quickly became a leading advocate for racial equality in his sport and beyond.
For Hamilton, the Black Lives Matter movement was not a new cause, but a personal and painful reminder of the racism he’s faced throughout his life and career. He has often spoken about the challenges of being the only black driver in Formula One, recalling instances of racial abuse, lack of representation, and feelings of isolation in an industry that has traditionally lacked diversity.
The murder of George Floyd prompted Hamilton to more actively use his platform to address these systemic issues and push for change.
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Bringing BLM to Formula One
Hamilton’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement became very visible during the 2020 Formula 1 season. At the Austrian Grand Prix, the season opener that was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton knelt on the grid while wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt.
It was a bold and unprecedented move for the sport, which had previously been perceived as apolitical and detached from social justice issues. Hamilton’s act of kneeling was inspired by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who had used the gesture to protest police brutality in the United States.
Hamilton didn’t stop there. He continued to wear BLM-themed shirts throughout the season, often using his podium appearances as opportunities to highlight the movement.
His T-shirt at the Tuscan Grand Prix, which read “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor,” garnered significant media attention and was seen as a rallying cry for justice. Taylor, a black woman, was killed in her home in Kentucky by police officers, and her death became another flashpoint in the fight against racial injustice.
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Donald Trump’s surprising F1 allegiance.
By contrast, Harris’s Republican rival, Donald Trump, has shown a different kind of affinity for Formula One. The former president, who remains a polarizing figure in American politics, was spotted at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this year. That appearance sparked a wave of speculation when Trump was seen visiting the McLaren team’s garage and voicing his support for British driver Lando Norris.
McLaren was criticized for allowing Trump into the garage, with some fans and media members expressing their discomfort with the team’s decision to host such a divisive figure. In response to the backlash, McLaren released a statement emphasizing their neutrality in politics.
“McLaren is a non-political organization, however we do recognize and respect the office of the President of the United States,” the statement read, adding that the visit gave them an opportunity to showcase their engineering achievements.
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Trump’s “endorsement” of Lando Norris.
Trump’s visit took on more significance when the former president was seen talking to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, and interacting with Norris himself. Trump jokingly referred to himself as Norris’ “good luck charm” after the young British driver won the Miami Grand Prix.
Speaking after the race, Norris confirmed that Trump had approached him to offer his congratulations.
“He came up to me to congratulate me, so I think it’s an honor… for them to come up to you and take time out of their lives to show their respect for what you’ve done,” Norris said.
That interaction sparked more controversy when Norris added, “Donald is somebody you’ve got to have a lot of respect for in a lot of ways.”
The young driver’s comments left some fans uncomfortable given Trump’s contentious political history, which includes accusations of inciting the January 6 Capitol riot, multiple lawsuits, and widespread criticism for his divisive rhetoric during his presidency.
Having faced trial in New York for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up a ‘hush money’ payment to an adult film star during the time of the race.
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McLaren’s political neutrality and the backlash.
McLaren’s decision to host Trump and Norris’ comments raised eyebrows among fans, especially in light of Trump’s numerous legal troubles and controversial reputation. Trump’s tenure as president has been marked by several scandals, including his refusal to accept defeat in the 2020 election and the subsequent violent storming of the U.S. Capitol by his supporters.
Despite the backlash, McLaren defended their decision to host the former president, insisting that their focus remains on sport and not political affiliations.
The team’s neutrality and celebration of its engineering prowess were at the forefront of their defense.
Formula One’s growing political relevance in the US.
The involvement of high-profile political figures like Harris and Trump in Formula 1 reflects the sport’s growing cultural and political relevance in the United States. What was once a niche interest is now attracting the attention of mainstream audiences, thanks to increased visibility and the Netflix series *Drive to Survive*, which has brought the high-octane drama of F1 into the homes of millions of Americans.
As F1 races in places like Miami and Austin, it continues to attract a wide range of influential figures. From celebrities to politicians, the sport’s fan base has become increasingly diverse and engaged.
This is evident in the way that Harris and Trump – representing two very different political ideologies – have both embraced the sport.
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Formula One and the political arena.
For Harris, the connection to Lewis Hamilton-a driver who has been outspoken about social justice, diversity, and equality-aligns with her political values and broader campaign goals.
]Hamilton’s off-track activism, including his vocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement, mirrors Harris’s own advocacy in American politics. The vice president’s affinity for Hamilton speaks to the intersection of sports, activism, and politics.
On the other hand, Trump’s interaction with Lando Norris and McLaren seems less politically motivated, though the former president’s presence at the event and Norris’s subsequent praise still sparked debate.
Trump’s frequent appearances at sporting events, and his tendency to use such moments for political gain, are well documented. Whether his visit to the McLaren garage was a calculated move or simply a personal interest in the sport, it undoubtedly generated buzz.
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A symbol of a wider cultural shift?
The fact that Formula One has become a topic of conversation in American presidential politics speaks volumes about the cultural shifts underway in America. What began as a European-centric sport has become a global phenomenon, transcending its origins and appealing to audiences far beyond its traditional borders.
As Harris and Trump each stake their claim in the world of Formula One, their contrasting approaches serve as a reflection of the sport’s ability to capture different segments of society. Whether it’s Hamilton’s push for equality and representation that resonates with progressive figures like Harris, or Norris’s warm interaction with Trump, F1’s reach now encompasses political figures of all stripes.
Ultimately, the intersection of F1 and American politics offers a fascinating look at how global sports can influence – and be influenced by – a nation’s political climate, especially as the 2024 U.S. presidential election looms.
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