Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have jointly launched a charitable initiative called ‘Ignite’ to further expand on diversity and inclusion, in motor racing.
After submitted the Hamilton Commission report, the British F1 driver along with Mercedes, has jointly launched a new charitable initiative named ‘Ignite’, with a mission to support greater diversity and inclusion with motor racing.
This comes after F1 expanded on their own programme after the Hamilton Commision report was submitted. Ignite is building on that report as well, where the driver and team will focus on increasing avenues to have more diverse talent in motor racing industry.
The UK-focused initiative will include but not limited to ‘developing exciting and stimulating STEM curriculum materials; developing more diverse educators to role model and inspire students from under-represented groups in STEM; enhancing education enrichment opportunities around STEM and motorsport; and providing financial support to talented and motivated students wishing to pursue careers in STEM and motorsport but who don’t have the means’.
The programme will be funded by Hamilton and Mercedes, where they will work closely under Mission 44. “Mercedes have long supported my ambition to improve diversity and inclusion within the motorsport industry,” said the seven-time champion. “I am so thrilled that, through Ignite, we are able to formally work together to achieve this.
“Diverse workforces are not only more successful but are also the morally correct approach for any industry. The findings of The Hamilton Commission have provided us a fantastic base to begin our work, and I am confident that Ignite will result in real, tangible change within motorsport. For 15 years, I have remained one of the few Black employees within F1, and I am proud that my work with Mercedes is going to change that for the better.”
Mercedes chief, Toto Wolff, added: “I am delighted today that we can finally talk about our plans for the Ignite initiative. Since we announced our intention with Lewis at the start of the year to create a joint project, a great deal of work and discussion has taken place in the background to refine our aims and our mission.
“Opening up motorsport and becoming a more diverse and inclusive team are fundamental to our team’s values and, with the full support of Mercedes-Benz, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and building a platform from which future generations can access and enjoy our fantastic sport.
“Ignite will complement our team’s own Accelerate 25 programme, and through these platforms we hope to see much more talent from under-represented groups both join our team and take up careers in the wider motorsport industry.”
Here’s what F1 is doing
Here’s some of the details from the Hamilton Commission report
Here’s James Allison on last big upgrade from Mercedes