Hamilton admits 'heart and spirit' weighed down by global events of late

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Lewis Hamilton says he had to "pull it together" last weekend at Spa, admitting that events of late in the world, including the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, are weighing on his heart and spirit.

Boseman, celebrated for his role in the Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther, died of cancer last Friday at the age of 43.

Hamilton, who is a great admirer of the black actor's work and career who "moved a generation", says the passing added another layer of sadness to a heart and spirit already weighed down by the global events that have unfolded so far this year.

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"I think that naturally we had that week off, I got good training at home and arrived here feeling fairly relaxed," Hamilton said, explaining his frame of mind at Spa.

"And then obviously I woke up yesterday morning and… I mean, I've generally been feeling a lot of weight on my heart, spirit.

"You know, when you're watching the news, when you see what's happening around the world and I feel really quite affected by it, and then obviously I was so incredibly proud when Chadwick was Black Panther because as I mentioned all the reasons yesterday, as a kid, dreaming of super heroes and finally see someone, a super hero of a similar colour to me, was really just such a remarkable moment, I think, for the black community.

"So when I woke up and I got the news from a friend who has said I'm crying writing this message to you about Chad, and then reading the news, I just broke down. I remember, just trying to pull it together and make sure I delivered on that day."

After his 89th career win on Sunday, Hamilton posted on social media a picture of himself wearing the 'Black Lives Matter' t-shirt during the pre-race anti-racism moment alongside a shot of himself on the podium, executing the famous 'Wakanda Forever' salute.

The underlying message explained that the fight against racial injustice in the world tirelessly continues.

"I'm posting this image because we must continue to fight for equality, nothing has changed yet and the battle continues," he wrote.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.