FIA, FOM, and all ten F1 teams join forces, launching a transformative diversity charter shaped by the Hamilton Commission’s findings.
Lewis Hamilton’s advocacy through his “Mission 44” initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in F1, and motorsport more broadly, is yielding results.
Today, the FIA, F1, and the ten championship teams have approved the implementation of an enhanced charter for diversity and inclusion.
This charter is based on the findings of the Hamilton Commission report, published in 2021, which highlighted the significant progress still needed for F1 to become a fully equitable and diverse sport, encompassing women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The charter’s conclusions largely adopt the recommendations from the work initiated by the Mercedes F1 driver.
The charter also benefited from the expertise of the Royal Academy of Engineering, in a context where only one in three engineers globally is a woman.
Beyond programmatic aspects, the charter notably includes a concrete implementation framework. Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44 will further support this implementation.
To enforce the charter, the FOM announced the transformation of the current Formula 1 Diversity and Inclusion Working Group into an “Implementation Group.” This group will be “responsible for launching new initiatives, formalizing the sport’s collaborative approach, and introducing measurable projects with defined key performance indicators and deadlines.” In short, to ensure tangible outcomes.
“Formula 1 recognizes that diversity plays a crucial role in bringing new perspectives, driving innovation, enriching culture, and improving economic outcomes in a sport that relies on relentless performance,” stated the FOM in a press release.
In practice, by signing this charter, all stakeholders, including all teams, have committed “to supporting and implementing measures to build a more diverse and inclusive workplace.”
Of course, F1 is not starting from scratch: the launch of the F1 Academy, along with the expansion of scholarships and apprenticeship programs, has helped shift mindsets and achieve tangible progress.
The charter is built on the following four pillars:
Attract: Target and support initiatives aimed at drawing underrepresented groups into motorsport, while collecting demographic data to refine recruitment practices.
Retain: Establish processes to mitigate organizational biases and foster inclusive cultures where diverse individuals can thrive.
Create: Promote diverse perspectives in the design, development, and delivery of products and services, encouraging supply chains to adopt similar practices.
Engage: Communicate diversity and inclusion commitments with external stakeholders, listening, learning, and improving to deliver a more inclusive experience.
Domenicali Praises Hamilton Commission’s Contributions
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm for the signing of the charter:
“Our sport is rightly recognized for its elite performance and innovation, and we are fully aware that the only way to maintain and elevate these exceptional standards is by embracing a diversity of thoughts, ideas, and experiences.”
“Sport is fiercely competitive, and we are all committed to employing the best talent. As highlighted by the Hamilton Commission report, there are clear opportunities for us to work collectively to identify and nurture this talent, and meaningful changes have already been implemented across the sport.”
“The charter is the next significant step on this journey, and we are all determined to make our sport more open and diverse.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, who undoubtedly has remarks to atone for on these matters, added:
“Diversifying motorsport is critical to its continued success. By ensuring equal opportunities for equal talent, increasing accessibility, and collectively committing to this charter, we will drive meaningful change.”
“This historic partnership between Formula 1, the teams, and our Federation represents a unified approach that I am proud to be part of.”
Dr. Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, concluded:
“Formula 1 took the findings of the Hamilton Commission in 2021 seriously, and since then, the sport has introduced a range of initiatives to enhance diversity.”
“This charter, which the sport entrusted us to create independently, establishes a framework for progress and reflects a commitment to principles and action. It is a key milestone in F1’s ongoing efforts to improve access and performance, and we believe it will act as a catalyst for even greater positive impacts and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
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Hamilton’s Legacy Drives F1 Diversity Commitment Forward Hamilton’s Legacy Drives F1 Diversity Commitment Forward
