Lewis Hamilton opens up about ‘life-changing’ experience in emotional statement | F1 | Sport

Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his experience visiting facilities in Jordan, describing the trip as “life-changing”. The seven-time world champion has been a strong proponent of the relief effort in Gaza and has been working with the British Red Cross to address the challenges faced by those affected by the conflict.

Hamilton made the trip during December, meeting with the Jordan Red Crescent and Palestine Red Crescent Societies to gain a better understanding of the relief and support effort for those in need in Gaza.

The Ferrari F1 star learned how aid parcels are prepared and toured hospitals, witnessing the fallout of the conflict. Hamilton also featured in a video on the British Red Cross social media channels, appealing for support and awareness about the crisis.

Posting about his experience on Instagram, Hamilton wrote: “The time I spent in Jordan visiting a hospital and aid packaging facility dedicated to helping people in Gaza was life-changing. When you see what’s happening on the ground, it can be so easy to feel hopeless and like there’s nothing we can do to help.

“I thought that feeling of hopelessness would’ve been what I took away from my visit, but it wasn’t. What resonated the most was the spirit of resilience and humanity. The spirit of the families fighting for their survival. The spirit of doctors working tirelessly to save them.

“The spirit of the teams from the British Red Cross, Jordan Red Crescent and the Palestine Red Crescent Societies doing everything they can to deliver aid. We would all benefit from their spirit of resilience and their determination to help those who need it.

“Help is possible, ending this suffering is possible, but the trickle of aid currently reaching Gaza is nowhere near enough. Humanitarian organisations must be allowed to reach the places where help is needed, and they desperately need us to use our voices, and our donations, to help them do so.

“If you can, join me in donating to the British Red Cross or any of the incredible charities continuing to deliver care, dignity and hope to the people in Gaza and please, do not stop talking about this. We must keep lending our voices and our attention to this crisis. We must continue to speak up for what is right.”

In preparation for the first season of the new technical regulations, Hamilton has prioritised unwinding and spending time with friends and family this off-season. Outside of his trip to Jordan, the 41-year-old has been in the United States, touring New York and enjoying a snowsports holiday.