Six-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, on Saturday paid tribute to Chadwick Boseman after storming to pole position ahead of Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix.
The 35-year-old dedicated his pole position to Boseman, who died on Friday aged 43, after a long battle with colon cancer.
“It’s a really important pole for me. I woke up to the news of Chadwick Boseman passing away and that news broke me. It wasn’t easy to get back in focus but I wanted to drive to perfection for him,” said Hamilton.
A family statement confirmed that Boseman had died in his home with his wife and family. The actor had not publicly revealed that he was battling cancer before his death.
Boseman’s acting careers lasted 12 years, but his biggest act came in 2018 after his role as King T’Challa in the superhero film Black Panther.
His family is yet to release dates for his funeral.
Back in Belgium however, Hamilton will be joined on the front row by Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen lining up on the second row alongside former teammate Daniel Ricciardo who now features for Renault.
I woke up today to the sad news, our super hero 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 pic.twitter.com/9sKD3jZP3G
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) August 29, 2020
