Hamilton Commission suggests ways to increase diversity in motorsport

The Hamilton Commission, set up by seven time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, gave suggestions on what can be done to increase diversity in the sport. Hamilton launched this venture last year in a bid to get to the root cause of a lack of Black people in the sport. As things stand, the results are now in. The reasons for the same are manifold.

This includes but is not limited to motorsport hubs being far from Black communities in UK. Racism in the education system as well as Black children being left out of schools are also key reasons.

The cause is a close one to Hamilton, who is the only Black driver in F1 history. Last year, he pledged to improve diversity within the sport itself. He also led the call for the sport to take part in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

Hamilton Commission recommendations

• Asking that Formula One teams (and other motorsports organisations) take the lead in implementing a Diversity and Inclusion Charter for motorsport to commit the sector to improve diversity and inclusion across all organisations.
• Calling for Formula One teams and other motorsport businesses to broaden access to motorsport by expanding the apprenticeships provision to include higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships as an alternate pathway into the sector, as well as availability to paid work placement and work experience schemes.
• Establishment of a new exclusions innovation fund, to develop programmes that address the factors that contribute to the high proportion of students from Black backgrounds being excluded from schools.
• Supporting the piloting of new approaches to increase the number of Black teachers in STEM subjects that lead to careers in engineering, namely mathematics, physics, design and technology, and computing.
• Supporting the creation of scholarship programmes to enable Black graduates from degrees in engineering and allied subjects to progress into specialist motorsport roles.
• Calling for additional STEM activity support to be provided to supplementary schools led by Black community groups across the UK.

Hamilton’s reaction to findings

Hamilton said he waited for F1 as a whole to become more diverse. However, after a 15-year journey, he realised he had to take action himself.

“While I have enjoyed a successful career in motorsport, it’s been a lonely path as one of the few Black individuals within Formula One. And after fifteen years of waiting for the industry to catch up, I realised I had to take action myself.

“Through the commission’s research, we can see there are clear meaningful steps the motorsport industry needs to take towards creating a more inclusive environment where diversity can thrive.

“But also that we must tackle the barriers facing Black students that exist throughout their educational journey.

“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.

“Now that I’m armed with the commission’s recommendations, I am personally committed to ensuring they are put into action.”

Hamilton’s commitment to a more diverse F1 is there even in his car. For 2020, Mercedes switched from their classic silver to a black livery. The reason? To show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Hamilton himself took part in BLM rallies held in the UK. He also spoke up and used his platform to spread the message. Now, the Hamilton Commission further shows his dedication to the cause.

Hamilton will next be seen in action at the British Grand Prix this weekend. The race will also be held with a full capacity crowd allowed. Thus, this will be the first time since the pandemic began that F1 will see a full crowd.

How is Hamilton doing in the championship?

Hamilton is currently second in the world championship standings. The year has not been easy for Hamilton and Mercedes. There have been race wins, but they have not been the dominant team this year.

No, that honour falls to Red Bull Racing and lead driver Max Verstappen. The Flying Dutchman is in fine form thus far and has won four of the last five races.

This includes two straight wins in the Austrian and Styrian Grand Prix, as well as wins at Monaco and France.