Formula 1 has welcomed a new report on diversity in motorsport produced by the Hamilton Commission, an initiative founded by Lewis Hamilton.
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The seven-time world champion said the Hamilton Commission’s report, which runs to more than 170 pages, “shows that many young black people are being closed out of opportunities within STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] and having their full potential limited.”
Hamilton reflected on his own experience in the sport, noting that although he has enjoyed a successful career in motorsport, “it’s been a lonely path as one of the few black individuals within Formula 1 and, after fifteen years of waiting for the industry to catch up, I realised I had to take action myself.”
He added that the commission’s research highlights clear, practical steps the motorsport industry can take to create a more inclusive environment where diversity flourishes. The findings also underline the need to address barriers facing black students throughout their education. “Some of these barriers I recognise from my own experiences, but our findings have opened my eyes to just how far reaching these problems are,” Hamilton said.
The commission set out a range of recommendations aimed at increasing black representation within motorsport. Suggested measures include the adoption of diversity and inclusion charters by teams and organisations, expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, funding programmes to tackle high exclusion rates among black pupils, support for recruiting more black teachers in STEM subjects, and the creation of scholarship schemes for black graduates.
Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali described the report as “comprehensive and impressive” and confirmed that the sport will study the recommendations carefully. “We will take the time to read and reflect on all of the findings, but we completely agree that we need to increase diversity across the sport and we have taken action to address this and will be announcing more actions in the coming days,” he said.
Domenicali emphasised Formula 1’s commitment to representing its diverse global fan base and noted that the FIA and teams are working on plans to drive meaningful change across the sport. “There is always more to do and the report will stimulate thoughts about further actions that are required,” he added.
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