Hamilton Visits Rafah Crossing After 400th Race
The F1 champion toured Egyptian logistics hubs to observe aid delivery, noting that truck counts remain well below the 600 per day required by the ceasefire deal.
By Rafael Bailey ·
Lewis Hamilton stood at the Rafah border crossing this week to inspect how aid moves into Gaza.
The seven-time Formula One world champion traveled to Egypt to observe the operations of organizations transporting supplies into the territory. His visit occurred shortly after he completed his 400th race start at the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday. That milestone places him in rare company, following Fernando Alonso who reached the same mark in 2024. Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 and remains the first Black driver in the sport's history.
Recent reports indicate that the flow of assistance into Gaza remains insufficient despite the ceasefire agreement reached last year. The number of trucks entering the area is well below the agreed minimum of 600 per day. Independent data shows that Israeli forces have continued to expand their control over the region. A commission of UN experts reported last month that military control increased from 53% of the territory to at least 60%. The commission noted that airstrikes and fire along the advancing front killed at least 196 Palestinians. The casualties included 18 women, 32 boys, and 11 girls.
Hamilton has become increasingly vocal about regional conflicts, frequently using social media to call for peace. In an October statement, he expressed his desire for broader stability. "I think we need to make sure we're pushing to free Congo, free Sudan, free Syria, free Palestine. I think there's a lot of peace that I'm hoping we get to at some stage," he said. He has specifically pointed to the impact of Israeli airstrikes on children in the area.
During his tour, Hamilton greeted aid workers with the Arabic greeting Assalamu alaikum. He shook hands with local officials and observed the border processes. Khaled Megawer, the governor of North Sinai where the crossing is located, explained that the trip was designed to show Hamilton Egypt's efforts to support Gaza. Megawer emphasized the educational aspect of the visit, focusing on the practical side of humanitarian logistics.
The visit provides a direct look at the mechanisms through which Egypt facilitates aid entry. The logistical challenges remain severe as the territory struggles to meet basic needs. The gap between the agreed truck limits and the actual number of vehicles entering Gaza persists. Hamilton's presence at the crossing underscores his ongoing engagement with political issues beyond his motorsport career.
