Hamilton Commission Makes Recommendations For Motorsport Diversity

The Hamilton Commission – set up by seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering – has published a series of recommendations for fostering diversity in UK motorsport.

The commission was set up in 2020 with the aim of increasing the representation of Black people in the motorsport industry in the UK, as well as understanding why few Black students pursue careers in motorsport – where only 1% of F1 employees come from Black backgrounds.

The Commission has split its recommendations into three areas: support and empowerment; accountability and measurement; and inspiration and engagement.

It asks that teams and rights holders in motorsport implement Diversity and Inclusion Charters and broaden access to the industry by providing apprenticeships, paid internships, and scholarships as an alternate pathway into the sector.

It also recommends that the sector addresses the issue of school exclusions – where a high proportion of students from Black backgrounds are disproportionately affected – and support pilot schemes aimed at increasing the number of Black teachers in STEM subjects that lead to careers in the industry.

“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 15 years of waiting for the industry to catch up, I realised I had to take action myself,” said Hamilton.

“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.”

Dr Hayaatun Sillem, CEO, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the first woman and person of colour to hold the position, said of the report: “Engineers shape our world. They design and create products and services that power and define our lives. But our community is not representative of the society we serve.

“Motorsport inspires and influences hundreds of millions of people around the globe. Formula 1 exemplifies the spirit of creativity, innovation and excellence that drives so many engineers, wherever they work.

“With the support of our expert Commissioners and the personal leadership of Lewis Hamilton, we have worked to understand how to accelerate the pace of change on racial diversity in motorsport.

“My hope is that this report will serve as a catalyst for action and stimulate the creation of cultures which will attract, retain and inspire many more talented Black engineering and STEM professionals across the full spectrum of UK motorsport roles.”