After the Spanish Grand Prix, Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton flew back to the UK to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at No.10 Downing Street this week

Lewis Hamilton speaking with Prime Minister Keir Starmer(Image: @lewishamilton/Instagram)

Lewis Hamilton has demanded a more inclusive education system in the UK after meeting with the Prime Minister. The Formula 1 icon visited No.10 Downing street this week for a meeting with Keir Starmer, along with a group of students, for discussion about education reform.

Representing his foundation Mission 44, which he founded in 2021, Ferrari driver Hamilton travelled to London days after finishing sixth at the Spanish Grand Prix. On Wednesday, he took part in a roundtable discussion with Starmer and education secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton has, for many years, used his platform as one of Britain’s most prominent sporting heroes to champion equality and diversity in all aspects of life. And he spoke of his own experience with the UK education system as he advocated for greater support for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

He posted several photos of himself and the students visiting Downing Street and speaking to the Prime Minister on social media, and wrote: “The future of education must be inclusive.

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“Today, myself, Mission 44, our partners and some incredible students met with the UK Prime Minister for an important discussion on how we can make sure all young people are supported to succeed in school, regardless of their background.

“I struggled in school and never felt like my voice was heard, so I know first-hand that ensuring every student feels they belong in school is vital.”

Hamilton went on to add that the meeting was a success and saw Starmer’s Government “commit to working with Mission 44 to enact change focused on making the education system more inclusive”.

In the discussion, which took place at the Cabinet table inside No.10, the Prime Minister said: “I want to thank Lewis – this was his idea, this is his legacy. He’s inspired generations and is now using that influence on this project and is designed to make a real difference in the lives of young people across the country.

“We need to acknowledge we’re in a really challenging time for young people. A lot of children left school at the beginning of the Covid pandemic and haven’t gone back to school. The achievement gap between the richest and poorest is back to levels we haven’t seen since 2011. That’s shocking, because I like to think we’re a country that always moves forwards, always taking a step in the right direction.

“When things start going backwards we know we have a real problem. That’s why I’m really pleased we’re going to publish a best practice framework – to encourage students to enjoy learning, achieve their potential, and have confidence.”