Formula 1 to introduce new Diversity & Inclusion charter

Formula 1 is set to introduce a formal Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter, which has been agreed on by the championship, its ten teams, and the FIA.

The new charter was launched with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, and seven-time World Drivers’ Championship winner Sir Lewis Hamilton.

In 2021, the Academy delivered the Hamilton Commission’s original report, which revealed that less than 1% of the workforce within Formula 1 came from Black of other minority ethnic backgrounds.

Mission 44, the charity founded by Hamilton in 2021, will also support the implementation of the charter, which is intended to help bolster diversity and inclusion throughout Formula 1.

The D&I charter aim to attract underrepresented groups to motorsport, as well as creating cultures of inclusion, listening to all perspectives in the delivery of its products, and communicating its commitment to D&I with external stakeholders.

The launch of the new charter marks the racing series’ latest initiative aiming to drive diversity within the sport.

Last year saw the launch of F1 Academy, a new all-female championship, as part of a plan to develop young drivers.

In 2021, Formula 1 introduced fully funded engineering scholarships for underrepresented groups, as well as internship schemes and apprentices.

“Our sport is rightly recognised for its elite performance and innovation, and we are clear that the only way to maintain and improve those exceptional standards is to welcome diversity of thought, ideas, and experiences,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

“The sport is fiercely competitive, and we’re all committed to employing the very best talent.

“We know from The Hamilton Commission report that there are opportunities for us to work collectively to both find and nurture that talent, and across the sport significant change has already been put in place.

“The charter is the next important milestone on that journey, and we are all committed to making our sport more open and diverse.”

Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, added, “Formula 1 took the findings of The Hamilton Commission in 2021 seriously, and since then the sport has created a range of initiatives to increase diversity.

“This charter, which the sport commissioned us to create independently, sets a framework for progress and establishes commitment to both principles and action.”

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