Sir Lewis wins new Laureus Athlete Advocate of the Year Award

Sir Lewis Hamilton was the recipient this week of his third Laureus Award, but the first laureate of the new Athlete Advocate of the Year honor, bestowed upon the Briton for his ongoing efforts to promote racial justice and diversity.

Hamilton has been at the forefront of change in F1 since the spring of 2020 and the social unrest that emerged in the wake of the murder in the US of George Floyd.

In the past year, the seven-time world champion has actively engaged with F1, the FIA and his own team Mercedes to promote an anti-racism message in the sport and support a quest for improved diversity.

Alas, there was no glitzy red-carpet event for this year's "Oscars of Sport" as they are called, but Hamilton was nevertheless delighted to pick up his latest award at the virtual ceremony broadcasted from Seville.

"A huge thank you to the Laureus World Sports Academy for presenting me with this incredible award," Hamilton said.

"This past year has been incredibly difficult for so many, but it has also been heartening to see the power of our collective voices spark new conversations and change.

"The impact of each and every one of you who have stood up, is so inspiring, so I want to thank you. Please keep fighting, keep shining your light.

"The global rising to address the longstanding issue of systemic racism and inequality in our society has been monumental, but we must continue to fight

"We must all see ourselves as responsible for making positive change in our world, and hold ourselves accountable, so that the promises of last year turn in to action.

"I truly believe that together, we will get there, and so I stand with you as we push forwards."