Lewis Hamilton aims to improve diversity in Formula 1 in all roles - 'I'll make sure of it'
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Updated 25/03/2023 at 17:28 GMT
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has been one of the loudest voices in sport when it comes to promoting diversity, and he is hoping that changes will continue in his own sport of Formula 1. The seven-time world champion has seen improvement over the last couple of years and hopes for more fundamental changes than simply increasing the number of black drivers.
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Lewis Hamilton thinks improving diversity in Formula 1 should extend beyond the number of black drivers and to the rest of the paddock.
Hamilton has been the most prominent voice in motorsport when it comes to inclusion, particularly when it comes to F1, where he is the only black driver.
The former world champion was speaking to Sky Sports journalist Mike Wedderburn at the Black In Sport Summit. Hamilton explained: "When we (Hamilton and his father) got to F1, we thought we had broken the mould and thought that would change things.
"But that wasn't enough and that is why I started the Hamilton Commission because I knew no one else cared to do the work.
"It's not about just having access for young minorities getting access in engineering, but across the board. The higher up you go the less diverse it is, not only in our industry but through many industries.
"The goal is to shift that, and that is part of my mission. For a long time I was winning races and thinking something was missing. I feel great that I am living my purpose and starting to see that change."
The seven-time champion said that change has only really been noticeable in the last two years. Hamilton's interview was aired a day after Nelson Piquet was fined £780,000 for racist and homophobic comments about Hamilton.
He continued: "There wasn't any change until 2021 really, or at least the last couple of years where you are starting to see some change, before that I was a lone ranger and could talk on the subject as it would just be you're the only black man. It was a difficult, narrow and very lonely path to walk.
"I feel that I am a representative for all those who feel they don't have a voice. There are many people who feel they don't have a voice and look at the sport and feel it isn't for them.
"I wouldn't say I am representing them as such, but I hope if I am, I am doing it in a positive way."
The Mercedes driver expanded on his view that the aim of improving diversity would result in greater representation in all areas of the sport.
"It's not about finding the next black racing driver because it's always going to be an expensive sport and there is nothing I can do to change that," he said. "It's about the thousand other jobs in the background. It should be open to anybody, no matter what your race, or what your sex. In 10 years' time, we are going to see a much different sport because I'll make sure of it.
"I think ultimately, unless I am part of the initiative or Michael Jordan comes in, or some other big shot becomes part of the ownership, I think it will most likely stay with the owners.
"The owners that we have, I have had deep conversations with them about the work we can do together. Young black kids are now seeing there is a place for them. Hopefully they are now seeing representation on the TV."
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