Hamilton hopes COVID-19 crisis can ‘help us all change for the better’

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes the ongoing coronavirus pandemic can help humankind “change for the better”.

More than 900,000 cases of COVID-19 have now been confirmed worldwide, with over 45,000 deaths being recorded as of Wednesday.

Countries across the globe are tightening measures to try and slow the spread of the disease, which has also wreaked havoc on major sporting events including delaying the start of the 2020 F1 season.

A direct consequence of the coronavirus crisis and subsequent lockdown measures imposed has resulted in air pollution levels starting to fall in many major cities around the world, including in the UK.

Hamilton posted a number of images on his Instagram story highlighting the lower levels of pollution, before sharing a thought-provoking message.

“It’s crazy that the world has come to a halt and we are seeing skies clear up,” Hamilton wrote.

“Who knows why this is all happening right now but so much to think about for all of us. In 1900 there were less than 2 billion people and now we are at 7.7 billion and increasing 140 million a year.

“All these stats are mind blowing for me. We’ve just got out of control as a race.

“What’s even more crazy is, in this sad time where we are seeing deaths of over 40,000 from this virus, around 57 million people die every year according to statistics. That would mean more than a 150,000 people die everyday worldwide.

“We have so much changing to do, to our habits, decisions we take, how we consume, all sorts. How can we truly change as a human race when we’re so stuck in our ways?

“Hopefully this global pandemic can help us all change for the better”.