Lewis Hamilton is a staunch supporter of more diversity and inclusivity and has been fighting for this for years to increase this and so on more equality in sports to bring. Mercedes is making efforts to increase the diversity of its workforce, but according to Hamilton there is still a long way to go.
Three years ago, Mercedes launched its Accelerate 25 program to increase the share of staff it hires from underrepresented backgrounds to 25% by the end of 2025. Lewis Hamilton stated at the end of 2021 that he considers his efforts to increase diversity within the sport more important than winning more championships.
It has been a long process and is still ongoing as of 2019, Hamilton said. We have just taken a team photo and I have to conclude that we are not nearly there yet, there are only three people of color in it, which is really not enough.
In addition to the work with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton founded the Hamilton Commission in 2020. This is to see what causes some groups to be underrepresented and how to tackle this. Hamilton and Mercedes then launched the charity Ignite to promote science, technology and education among young people within those groups.
We are slowly starting to see the fruits of our efforts, says Hamilton. The work I do is mainly focused on children and creating a future pipeline.
It’s also great to see that Mercedes realizes that they are really starting to have an impact, it makes me very proud!
I am certainly excited about the future, but what a long slog it has been. It’s so cool to be in a position to open doors for people that would otherwise remain closed.
P2. Secured pic.twitter.com/QNUhS09QzD
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 26, 2023
Written by Vincent Bogaerts