‘It just broke me’: Lewis Hamilton pays emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman by dedicating Belgian Grand Prix pole to late actor

Six-time Formula One world champion used his dominant pole position at Spa-Francorchamps to honour the memory

Lewis Hamilton dedicated his dominant pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix to the late Chadwick Boseman, with the Mercedes driver repeating the actor’s ‘Black Panther’ arm cross on Saturday afternoon at Spa.

The six-time world champion posted a tribute to Boseman on his Instagram page ahead of the season, following the news overnight that the American actor had died at the age of 43 after a four-year fight with cancer.

Boseman was the lead actor in the powerful ‘Black Panther’ Marvel superhero film, which saw a predominantly black cast and black director send out a statement of diversity and inclusion upon its release in 2018.

Having been at the forefront of Formula One’s drive for greater inclusion in recent months following the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, an emotional Hamilton dedicated his pole to the memory of Boseman.

"It is a really important pole because I woke up to the saddest news of Chadwick passing away,” Hamilton said straight after sealing the 94th pole position of his F1 career.

“It has been such a heavy year for all of us, and that news just broke me. It was not easy to get back into focus with that in my heart."

Hamilton was asked about his relationship with Boseman, who had not made his diagnosis of colon cancer public and maintained his acting career despite numerous operations and chemotherapy sessions.

"I remember when Black Panther came out, because I am a huge Marvel fan,” Hamilton said in the post-qualifying press conference.

“Just knowing how Hollywood has been for a long, long time and to see the first black superhero come out...everyone was just so proud."

Hamilton pays tribute to Chadwick Boseman with a 'Black Panther' gesture (Reuters)

Earlier in the day, Hamilton said on Instagram: “I woke up today to the sad news, our super hero passed away. I am devastated. I’m so grateful I got to meet you brother. Thank you for all you have done for us.

“Rest in Power King, you were the best of us and will never be forgotten. I’m sending love, light and prayers to you and your family. Wakanda Forever. #blackpanther #king #inspiration #wewillnotforget #restinpeace.”