Sir Lewis Hamilton: Driving Inclusion in Motorsport & Beyond
Sir Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One World Champion, has become a powerful force for change in motorsport, championing diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
In 2021, he set up the Hamilton Commission, a research project which looked into the underrepresentation of minority peoples in the UK’s motorsport and STEM sectors.
The research was comprehensive; after several years the recommendations came back, all of which Formula One took on board.
This led to the creation of the F1’s historic Diversity & Inclusion charter, a set of values which has the full support of all parties in the sport. This charter is set to increase the opportunities that minorities receive across Formula One, from the paddock to the cockpit.
In short, Lewis has been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of Formula One and it is likely that this charter will inspire a new generation of fans and participants to get involved in the sport.
The Hamilton Commission: a catalyst for change
So, why did Lewis launch the Hamilton Commission all those years ago?
As a strong advocate for sustainability in the sport, he champions environmental and social sustainability on and off the track, including diversity and inclusion.
The initiative was born out of Lewis' personal experiences. His aim was simple: to identify and address the barriers preventing diversity in the sport.
"I launched the Hamilton Commission in 2021 to figure out why there were so few people who looked like me in my sport and why it's been that way my whole life," he explains.
The Commission's report, produced in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering, provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in motorsport.
In his cover story with Sustainability Magazine in August 2024, Lewis revealed that activism is a huge part of his thinking these days.
“It took 32 years to understand the impact I am having on the world and I’m figuring out daily what I can do to play a better part. Being part of the issue is not meaningful – being part of the solution is,” he says.
Formula One's new D&I charter
This charter, agreed upon by all ten F1 teams, the FIA, and F1 itself, represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive sport.
The charter is structured around four key pillars:
- Attract
- Retain
- Create
- Engage
These pillars outline a comprehensive approach to bringing in talent from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities across all aspects of the sport.
Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for this development: "The impact this can have is massive and I thank the sport for taking on this commitment."
Synergy and sustainability: a team effort
At Mercedes – Lewis’ team in Formula One – sustainability is a result of synergy. Lewis is the poster boy of the operation, but the support crew and the fans he has around him contribute just as much.
Formula One has seen an immense growth in its fanbase in recent years, with a growth in response from a new younger, more socially conscious audience. The Mercedes team believes its work in the field of sustainability can contribute to the sport’s growth.
“We have a really young, socially engaged, socially conscious fanbase, which is amazing,” Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability at Mercedes Benz Motorsport, says.
“They care about what we're doing environmentally and socially, and it's really nice to be able to deliver.
“We did a fan voice survey to gauge engagement and what we found really exciting is that our fans are the most engaged fans in terms of sustainability in comparison to other teams.
“This is important because it shows that we're doing the right thing, because it's resonating.”
A legacy beyond racing
It's important to remember that the Hamilton Commission isn't the only work Lewis has done in the name of inclusion. Mission 44, a campaign to increase STEM sector opportunities and education for British children has also been a huge success.
For Lewis, advocacy projects like these represent a legacy that will extend far beyond his achievements on the track.
"The question has always been asked: 'What do I want my legacy to be?'" he says. "When I was younger, it was to be regarded as one of the best F1 drivers, but over time I have had the success, and the joy that brings is always short-lived."
Now, Lewis’ focus is on creating lasting change in the sport he loves. Through his ongoing advocacy for sustainability, he is helping to shape a more inclusive and responsible future for motorsport.
As the sport continues to evolve, Lewis’ impact will be felt for generations to come, inspiring not just future drivers, but engineers, technicians and leaders from all backgrounds to see themselves in the exciting world of Formula One.
“For all the teams, Formula One and the FIA to recognise the need for diversity is an incredible sign of progress,” he says.
“Can’t wait to see and support all that comes from this.”
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