All ten F1 teams, Formula 1 and the FIA have agreed to a new formal Diversity and Inclusion charter to improve diversity across their organizations and the motorsport sector as a whole.
The new charter was crafted with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, which provided the first report for The Hamilton Commission in 2021 alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton, according to the official website for Formula 1.
“As a sport that prides itself on its unrelenting high performance, Formula 1 recognizes the importance that diversity plays in introducing new perspectives and ideas, and in driving innovation, culture, and business results,” they said on their website.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 03: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W15 leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes and the rest of the field into turn 1 during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 03, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The charter is designed to embrace collaborative success and F1 promises to remain committed to the establishment of a more diverse and inclusive work space through actions and consequences.
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, issued a statement saying, “Our sport is rightly recognized 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.”
He went on to say, “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,” he noted.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 03: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes drives the 1990 McLaren MP4/5 in tribute to the late Ayrton Senna on track prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 03, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The new charter prompted the introduction of fully-backed engineering scholarships for underrepresented applicants, apprentice and intern schemes and the establishment of the F1 ACADEMY. These moving parts are all designed to represent the strides being taken to ensure diversity and inclusion are fully embraced by the organization.
Formula 1 has adopted a vision of enabling anyone to enter and enjoy global motorsports. The organization’s mission is focused on removing barriers to creating a rich diversity of people in the workplace, which would they claim would enrich the experience of working and engaging with stakeholders.
Formula 1 also embraced the four pillars of attracting, retaining, creating and engaging. The organization has sough to attract members of underrepresented groups to the motorsport. Processes have been introduced to mitigate biases and cultivate a culture of inclusion so that a diverse range of people can thrive in the sport, and commitments have been made to engage in open communication. Formula 1 has also vowed to communicate its loyalty to diversity and inclusion.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 03: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 03, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“This landmark partnership between Formula 1, the teams, and our Federation signifies a united course of action which I am proud to be a part of,” said President of the FIA Mohammed Ben Sulayem. (RELATED: Former ABC News Anchor Says Toxic Work Environment Contributed To Suicide Attempt)
“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,” stated Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
