'Truly Inspiring,' F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton Hails Manchester United Star Forward

F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has hailed Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford for his role in tackling child poverty in the U.K.

Hamilton paid tribute to Rashford after the Manchester United No. 10 entered Time Magazine’s Next 100 Most Influential People list.

Rashford formed a task force with some renowned food brands to help tackle hunger among children across the U.K. during the coronavirus-infused lockdown. He successfully campaigned for school vouchers to be provided to eligible children over the lockdown and summer holidays in Britain as he had relied on such support as a boy.

In an interview with Time, Hamilton described the soccer player’s recent work to handle child food poverty as "truly inspiring."

Hamilton, who is aiming to win a record-breaking eighth driver’s title in the 2021 season, also features in Times’ most recent 100 list recognizing the world’s most influential people. He played a vital role in campaigning for social justice and racial equality.

"'I know what it feels like to be hungry,' he wrote last June as part of a campaign that succeeded in pushing the government to provide meals for students in need during summer vacation. By standing up for the most vulnerable in our society, and using his platform and influence to create positive change, Marcus inspired countless others to join him on this mission and cemented his status as a role model," said Hamilton in his tribute.

"In a year that showed us the power of working together toward a common goal, he was a galvanizing force behind uniting people across the U.K. in the effort to ensure that no child goes hungry. His determination, resilience, and persistence have been truly inspiring. I cannot wait to see how he continues this important work," Hamilton added.

Rashford took to social media to thank Mercedes driver Hamilton for his "kind words."

Both Hamilton and Rashford were honored by the Queen last year. While Rashford received an MBE during the Queen's Birthday Honors last October, Hamilton was knighted in the New Year Honors list for equaling Michael Schumacher’s world record of seven world titles and becoming the most successful driver in F1 history by breaking the sport’s race wins record.