From protests to politics: Hamilton’s repeated criticism of Donald Trump

March 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of Donald Trump did not begin with recent debates about diversity policies. The seven-time Formula One world champion has repeatedly spoken out against the US president over the past decade, particularly on issues related to racial equality and political protest.

As the new Formula One season approaches, Hamilton’s previous comments about Trump and diversity initiatives have once again attracted attention.

The British driver, widely considered one of the most successful racers in the sport’s history, has increasingly used his platform to campaign for social change. Through projects such as the Mission 44 foundation, Hamilton has advocated for greater representation in motorsport and other industries.

Diversity Policies and Political Pressure

Hamilton addressed the issue again after Donald Trump returned to the White House for a second term in early 2025.

According to The Express, Hamilton discussed the political climate surrounding diversity initiatives in an interview with TIME magazine, after Trump signed executive orders aimed at rolling back corporate “Diversity, Equality and Inclusion” programmes.

The policy shift came only months after Formula One teams and drivers had signed a charter promoting diversity across the sport.

Hamilton indicated that the political changes would not alter his own efforts to push for equality.

“I’m not going to change what he does, or the government does,” Hamilton said.

“All I can do is try to make sure that in my space, in my environment, I’m trying to elevate people.”

“There’s going to be forces along the way that don’t want that, for whatever reason I can’t fathom. That doesn’t stop me. It is a fight that we’ll just keep fighting.”

The subject is also tied to Hamilton’s personal experience in Formula One. After joining Ferrari, he suggested the move reminded him of his early years in the sport, when teams were far less diverse than the environment Mercedes had gradually built during his championship-winning period.

Criticism During the Black Lives Matter Protests

Hamilton’s clashes with Trump date back to his first presidential term.

In 2020, the death of George Floyd while in police custody sparked widespread protests across the United States and internationally. Demonstrations calling for racial justice spread across major cities, with some events leading to clashes between protestors and police.

At the time, Trump warned he could deploy the military to restore order.

Hamilton responded on Instagram by sharing an image of the White House with its lights switched off alongside a strongly worded caption.

“This is the visual that will define Trump. 100,000 dead, 40 million unemployed, cities under attack by violent police. When his country needed a leader, Donald Trump turned off the lights and hid in his bunker.”

The post circulated widely on social media and highlighted Hamilton’s willingness to criticise political leaders publicly.

Earlier Social Media Controversy

Tensions between the Formula One driver and Trump had surfaced even earlier.

In 2017, Hamilton shared a controversial post online that mocked the US president. The message appeared during a dispute between Trump and NFL players who had been kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.

According to Express Sport, the post was later removed from Hamilton’s social media accounts, despite the driver indicating he had not agreed with that decision.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Hamilton said:
“I did not and I would not have removed it.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff later acknowledged Hamilton’s strong views but suggested athletes should be cautious when commenting on politically charged issues.

“This is a very controversial and polarising story. I wouldn't want to get involved in politics,” Wolff said.

“Lewis' feelings about human rights are very strong and I think he wanted to show that and probably Instagram as the communication channel is something that he needs to rethink. But I can relate to his feelings.”

Sources: TIME, The Express, Express Sport, Sky Italia