Hamilton questions diversity in Formula 1: I see hardly any change

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton questions diversity in Formula 1: I see hardly any change

British racer Lewis Hamilton expressed his concerns on a lack of diversity

Matthew Bannister

Saturday 22 February 2020 16:30

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has spoken out about the lack of diversity in Formula 1 and indeed all aspects of motorsport.

The six-time world champion remains one of the few black drivers to have been involved in F1 and after pre-season testing concluded, he was asked about the situation in his post-race press conference.

Hamilton believes that although the situation within his own team has improved, the overall industry has struggled to diversify the ethnicity of all responsibilities connected to Formula 1, not just within the cars.

Hamilton said: "If I'm really honest, this is my 14th year and I see hardly any change in this industry.

"When I talk about this industry, that's not just drivers, it's engineers, catering, media. It's all over.

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"I don't have the answer as to why that's not changed but you can be sure I plan on having a more impactful way to try to change it."

After winning the Laureus Award for Sportsman of the Year (alongside footballer Lionel Messi), the six-time champion made a speech stressing the importance of athletes using their platforms to promote equality.

Focus on diversity in sport has become more prominent in recent years and Hamilton said that he has noticed an improvement within the Mercedes team since he highlighted the issue with team principal Toto Wolff.

"Within our team, I've seen a lot more diversity," continued Hamilton. "It's something I've spoken to Toto about, at least a couple of years ago, and he hadn't noticed.

"I asked him 'Why am I the only one here?'

"Now it's just part of the thought process, it's where you're looking for people, recruitment, and I guess it's also getting the word out to people.

"When I spoke on stage [at Laureus], it was about gender equality, being open to all classes, all religions, and I just don't think you see a vast range of that within this sport, for whatever reason, and I think that needs to change."