Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton arrived in Egypt on Tuesday to see first hand the efforts to receive humanitarian and relief aid bound for the Gaza Strip.

The 41-year-old British driver arrived in El Arish, where he was received by North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer. The visit included a tour of the Rafah border crossing and the Egyptian Red Crescent's aid warehouses in El Arish, where he was briefed on how humanitarian and relief aid is prepared and coordinated before being sent into Gaza.

Aid still far below agreed levels

While a ceasefire agreement reached last year has halted major combat operations, aid going into Gaza continues to fall far short of the agreed minimum of 600 trucks a day. The Rafah crossing operates only partially, mainly for humanitarian cases, and about 18,500 patients require treatment abroad, according to reports from the visit.

Hamilton has spoken out about humanitarian crises and conflict zones, calling for peace, and has frequently posted on social media about children killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. In 2021, he founded Mission 44, a charity aimed at supporting young people and improving access to education and employment opportunities, and he has also backed humanitarian and relief initiatives for people affected by conflict.

Hamilton's season continues

On track, Hamilton drives for Ferrari and sits fourth in the drivers' championship, which has been won by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli with three races remaining in the season. His visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing drew attention to the logistics chain that moves relief supplies from Egypt into Gaza, a route that aid agencies say remains restricted despite the ceasefire.

The Egyptian Red Crescent plays a central role in coordinating aid, and has delivered more than one million tons of humanitarian assistance. Recent convoys in October included more than 3,690 tons of supplies, but funding shortages have forced the World Food Programme to reduce monthly food assistance in Gaza from 1.6 million people to 1.1 million. Reuters reported Hamilton's arrival in El Arish, and the Associated Press also covered his tour of the Rafah crossing.