Lewis Hamilton wants more diversity and inclusion in Formula 1
For many years, Lewis Hamilton's voice has been heard on inclusion and diversity in Formula 1. His team, Mercedes, aligns with the seven-time world champion's views. However, in the eyes of the British driver, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Lewis Hamilton is forever the first and still today the only black driver in the history of F1. The British driver has become a legend of this sport with his 103 Grand Prix victories and seven world titles. He remains a committed advocate for diversity in terms of sexuality and ethnicity within the paddock.
Driver number 44 is also deeply affected by acts of racism in the world. When news of the death of African-American George Floyd spread across the world, the British driver expressed his support widely by taking a knee and wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, with white letters on a black background.
« It’s just a long-term job »
The Mercedes team has also supported its driver in his commitment to “inclusion of minorities”. Many women have joined the German team in recent years. But there is still some way to go, in the eyes of Lewis Hamilton.
« There are three people of color, for example. But there are many more women. But still, that needs to change. If I compare it to 2019, I’m pretty sure it hasn’t moved as much as it should have. So the challenge is to see how we can change that, » says the British person.
« It all starts at the foundation. It’s really great to finally see the team come together and start to see that we are starting to have a real impact. It makes me really proud. When we were in Austin, there were kids, all the young women who came. When we were in the UK, we had a very diverse group of kids who came too, states the Mercedes pilot.
« It was truly amazing to be able to be in this position, in a seat, to be able to open the door for these children so that they can see what is possible, ignite their interest and create dreams that they may have never believed were possible. So, I am enthusiastic about the future. It’s just a long-term job », Lewis Hamilton concludes.
