Lewis Hamilton visited Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, November 10, to observe humanitarian operations. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion toured the Rafah crossing and logistics facilities. These facilities are operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent in El Arish.
The visit occurred two days after Hamilton made his 400th Formula 1 race start. This milestone was achieved at the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, November 8. He finished ninth for Ferrari at Interlagos.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur attributed the team’s difficult São Paulo Grand Prix to tyre struggles. Hamilton started 20th on the grid due to power unit penalties.
Hamilton is currently in his second season with Ferrari. His 2026 season has been more competitive than his debut year. He secured a maiden victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix.
He has also achieved four additional podium finishes this season. Hamilton currently holds fourth position in the Drivers’ Championship. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has already secured the 2026 title.
During his visit, Hamilton was received by North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer. He was briefed on the coordination and transportation of humanitarian supplies. Hamilton remained on the Egyptian side of the border.
He greeted aid workers with the Arabic expression ‘Al-Salamo Alaykom’. This translates to ‘peace be upon you’. He also spoke briefly with personnel at the crossing.
The visit provided Hamilton with direct insight into the humanitarian response. This follows his public statements advocating for peace. He has previously called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
A ceasefire agreement was reached in 2025, which halted major combat operations. However, aid delivery to Gaza continues to fall below the agreed minimum of 600 trucks per day.
An independent commission of United Nations experts reported last month that Israeli forces expanded their control. Control increased from 53% to at least 60% of Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes persist across Gaza. Israeli fire along the advancing front has killed at least 196 Palestinians. This includes 18 women, 32 boys, and 11 girls.
Between the ceasefire announcement on October 10, 2025, and October 30, 2026, 1,580 fatalities and 5,873 injuries were reported in Gaza.
The Rafah crossing operates partially, primarily for humanitarian cases. Approximately 18,500 patients require treatment abroad.
Funding shortages are severely impacting humanitarian efforts. Food aid is expected to reach less than one million people from October 2026. Gaza has an estimated 2.1 million residents.
Winterization efforts are also constrained. There is a lack of engine oil and spare parts for essential pumps.
The Egyptian Red Crescent plays a central role in coordinating aid. They have delivered over one million tons of humanitarian assistance. More than 75,000 volunteers have participated in these efforts.
Recent convoys from the Egyptian Red Crescent in October 2026 included over 3,690 tons of supplies. These shipments contained food parcels, flour, medical equipment, and fuel.
Other convoys dispatched in October provided winter supplies. These included tents, blankets, and clothing items.
Hamilton has a history of supporting social and humanitarian initiatives. In 2021, he established Mission 44. This charitable organisation focuses on education and employment opportunities for young people.
Mission 44 has expanded its Motorsport Scholarship programme. It also launched a £500,000 STEM Pathways Fund with Santander UK Foundation.
Hamilton’s visit to Egypt precedes the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix. The race is scheduled for November 19-21.
