Hamilton ‘incredibly proud’ of Vinicius after Socrates award

SAO PAOLO:

Lewis Hamilton said he felt “incredibly proud” to see Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior receive this year’s Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or and vowed to continue speaking out against racism.

Brazilian Vinicius, who has been racially abused at LaLiga matches for the past two seasons, has been recognized for setting up a foundation that builds schools in poor areas and invests in education in his country.

“It’s really remarkable to see people out there facing challenges like this and just being brave in the face of them,” Hamilton told Reuters on Wednesday in an interview ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The 38-year-old Briton, the sport’s only black driver, had previously shown his support for Vinicius when he was racially abused by fans at a race at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium this year, describing the episode as “devastating”.

A knight from his home country, Hamilton was also given honorary Brazilian citizenship last year and met the 23-year-old forward at this year’s Italian Grand Prix.

“It was a real honor to meet him, he brought so much energy to the team,” said the Mercedes driver, known for his social activism, including championing minority groups and environmental causes.

Vinicius, the only Brazilian in the top 10 nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or, said he will remain strong in the fight against racism as he received the Socrates Award from the Prince of Monaco on Monday.

The Vini Jr. Institute, created in 2020, aims to use the popularity of soccer to help innovate teaching and learning in Brazilian public schools. It hopes up to 15 schools and 10,000 students will benefit by the end of 2023.

Hamilton praised the soccer star for leading by example. “I am so grateful that it has been recognized and well received,” said the Briton.

“And to win this reward not only for being a great athlete but also for being a great representative for the people and the culture, I think it’s very honourable.”