Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team have launched a new all-black based livery for the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, showing the teams commitment to increase diversity within motorsport.
The team have also announced that by the end of the 2020 season the team will launch a Diversity and Inclusion Programme to help improve diversity within the Formula 1 team.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, explained that he knows the team needs to use their platform as a big company to talk about issues such as racism. He also confirmed that the black livery will be used all throughout the season.
“Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team: this is a core belief at Mercedes. But having the right beliefs and the right mindset isn’t enough if we remain silent.
“We wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality, and the Silver Arrow will race in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to greater diversity within our team and our sport.”
Wolff thanks Mercedes-benz and partners for support
He also spoke of how the team is taking steps forward to improve diversity, touching on the company as a whole, thanking them for allowing them to improve sectors of the team.
“We will not shy away from our weaknesses in this area, nor from the progress we must still make; our livery is our public pledge to take positive action.
“We intend to find and attract the very best talents from the broadest possible range of backgrounds, and to create credible pathways for them to reach our sport, in order to build a stronger and more diverse team in the future.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to thank our parent company Mercedes-Benz and our family of team partners who have supported and encouraged this initiative.“
Markus Schaefe, Non-Executive Chairman of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team also spoke on the new programme and livery which Mercedes is putting into place.
“In recent weeks, events around the world have reinforced the importance of continuing to fight against racism and all forms of discrimination. At Mercedes, we know that the strength of our organisation lies in the diversity of our people, and we are proud to be able to use one of our most prominent global platforms to signal our commitment to this fundamental principle of our society and our business.”
Hamilton helping to drive equality
Lewis Hamilton has been outspoken on social media about the Black Lives Matter movement, showcasing his passion to be involved, while also sharing personal experiences of his with racism during his time in motorsport; he explained the need for what Mercedes are doing in the sport.
“It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity.
“I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.“
Hamilton also explained that he spoke to Mercedes about how important the issue was and that he was grateful to the board of Mercedes listening to the issues which he explained. As Hamilton also recently announced he has set up a commission to increase diversity in motorsport.
The six-time World Champion added that he hopes the messages which are being sent by the team, work in not just F1 but outside of the sport.
“When I spoke to Toto about my hopes for what we could achieve as a team, I said it was so important that we stand united. I would like to say a huge thank you to Toto and the Mercedes Board for taking the time to listen, to talk, and to really understand my experiences and passion, and for making this important statement that we are willing to change and improve as a business.
“We want to build a legacy that goes beyond sport, and if we can be the leaders and can start building more diversity within our own business, it will send such a strong message and give others the confidence to begin a dialogue about how they can implement change.“
Valtteri Bottas also spoke on Mercedes’ announcement, he made it clear he very much agrees with the team on their statement. He also acknowledged that there are a lot of barriers in F1 but that he is aware that the team play a large part in using their platform to show change.
“Formula 1 is a world that is defined by performance, but it still contains many barriers for people who come from backgrounds that haven’t traditionally been part of the sport.
“We know that our teams are stronger when they are more representative of the society we are part of, and it is important for us to be united and show our commitment to change.
“Racism and discrimination have no place in our sport or in our society and I am proud to stand with the team, with Lewis and with Mercedes-Benz in making this important statement.“
