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Lewis Hamilton Performs Wakanda Salute In Memory Of Chadwick Boseman At Belgian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton Performs Wakanda Salute In Memory Of Chadwick Boseman At Belgian Grand Prix

The Formula One world champion paid respect to the memory of Boseman in his own way

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Formula One racing world champion Lewis Hamilton has dedicated his pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix to the memory of Chadwick Boseman, who sadly died aged just 43.

Hamilton paid his respects to Boseman by crossing his arms across his chest in the 'Wakanda Salute' from Black Panther, the Marvel superhero role that Boseman is best known for.

Hamilton - who happens to be the only black Formula One driver in history - again outclassed his opponents around the track, finishing 0.5 seconds clear of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

PA

After finishing qualifying, he drove back towards the pit lane and could be heard over his radio saying: "That one's for Chadwick Boseman, man.

"Rest in peace."

Then he performed the iconic salute made famous by Boseman in the Marvel movie as he emerged from his car.

Hamilton later said that he'd been greatly affected by the news of Boseman's death, and that it spurred him on to perform and qualify for the top of the grid in memory of the late actor.

PA

Speaking to the media after the session, he said: "It's a really important pole for me because I woke up to the saddest news of Chadwick passing away.

"It's such a heavy year for all of us and that news just really, really broke me.

"It was really not easy to get back into focus today with that hanging on my heart, but I was like, 'I've got to go out there and drive to perfection,' because what he's done for our people and what he's done for the superhero shows all these young kids that it's possible.

"He was such a shining light. Wakanda forever."

The 35-year-old racing driver, who has won the Formula One world title six times, also shared an emotional Instagram post in which he paid tribute to the memory of Boseman.

PA

Hamilton shared: "I woke up today to the sad news, our superhero passed away. I'm so grateful I got to meet you brother.

"Thank you for all you have done for us. Rest in Power, you were the best of us and will never be forgotten. Love, light and prayers I send to you and your family."

Boseman died last night after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Despite being diagnosed in 2016, he continued to work and made seven films before eventually succumbing to the illness.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: SPORT, UK News, TV and Film, Celebrity, Lewis Hamilton, F1, US Entertainment