Sir Lewis Hamilton has visited the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border to learn about efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, weeks after publicly calling for a “free Palestine”.
The seven-time Formula One world champion, 41, arrived at Arish International Airport in North Sinai, Egypt, on Tuesday, where he met government officials before travelling to the border crossing.
Hamilton also visited facilities operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent, where volunteers coordinate the preparation and transportation of humanitarian supplies destined for Gaza.
Hamilton Meets Egyptian Officials at Rafah Crossing
During his visit, Hamilton met North Sinai governor Major General Khaled Megawer and held discussions with him on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing.
The British racing driver, dressed in a black crew-neck jumper and trousers, accompanied by sunglasses, was also pictured meeting volunteers involved in the Red Crescent’s humanitarian operations.
Local reports indicated that his visit included a tour of facilities in Arish where aid workers organise supplies for delivery to Palestinians in Gaza.
F1 Champion Previously Called for a Free Palestine
The visit comes weeks after Hamilton called for a “free Palestine” while speaking about conflicts affecting different parts of the world.
His comments followed discussions surrounding the proposed African Grand Prix in Rwanda and concerns about the conflict involving the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Hamilton said he did not have control over the destinations selected for Formula One races but acknowledged the difficulties facing several countries.
“I don’t get to choose where we go and naturally there’s problems all over the world today,” he said.
He also spoke about the limited attention given to African history in British education, arguing that more people needed to understand the continent’s experiences with colonialism and Western intervention.
“Growing up in England, they never ever taught us anything about Africa. It needs to be on the curriculum,” Hamilton said.
He added that he remained hopeful that African countries would eventually unite, noting that the continent possessed significant natural resources and had contributed to the development of major brands.
Hamilton Calls for Greater Awareness of Global Conflicts
During his remarks, Hamilton urged people to educate themselves about conflicts and historical events affecting different regions.
He specifically mentioned the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine, calling for freedom and peace in the affected countries.
“I think we need to make sure we’re pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine,” he said.
Hamilton also expressed hope that greater awareness would encourage more conversations about the conflicts and the circumstances surrounding them.
He emphasised that participating in international events should not prevent people from acknowledging humanitarian crises elsewhere.
Previous Visit to Jordan Focused on Gaza Relief
Hamilton’s latest trip follows an earlier visit to Jordan, where he toured a hospital and an aid packaging facility dedicated to supporting Palestinians in Gaza.
Jordan shares borders with Israel and the West Bank, and the F1 champion used the visit to learn more about humanitarian assistance reaching people affected by the conflict.
Describing the experience as “life changing”, Hamilton said he had expected to leave feeling hopeless about the situation but instead took away a different perspective.
He also called on humanitarian organisations, including the Red Cross and Red Crescent, to be granted access into Gaza so they could reach communities requiring assistance.
Hamilton’s visit to the Rafah crossing marks another engagement with humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.
