Formula One announces diversity and inclusion charter in collaboration with Lewis Hamilton’s Mission 44

Formula 1 has announced the introduction of a formal Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter, which has been agreed by all ten teams, Formula 1 and the FIA, and has been created with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, which, alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton, delivered The Hamilton Commission*’s original report in 2021.

The charter is a result of the report’s recommendation that the motorsport sector commits to improve diversity and inclusion across all organisations. The charter’s implementation will also be supported by Formula 1 partner Mission 44, the charity set up by Lewis Hamilton. Mission 44 has also recently released research that indicates that programmes including pledges, commitments, or codes, drive accountability.

Formula one’s announcement read: “As a sport that prides itself on its unrelenting high performance, Formula 1 recognises the importance that diversity plays in introducing new perspectives and ideas, and driving innovation, culture, and business results.

“And while it is an environment of intense competition, there is recognition that inclusion cannot be achieved by working alone, but through collaboration. The charter is designed to make this a reality and produce positive lasting results.”

“The sport is committed to creating, supporting, and delivering on actions, measures, and outcomes, to build a more diverse and inclusive place to work. Over recent years every team and stakeholder in Formula 1 has acted and implemented initiatives to improve diversity, access, and opportunity within the sport.”

Formula 1 has already introduced a series of initiaties to improve diversity and inclusion which included fully funded engineering scholarships for underrepresented groups and the introduction of the female-only series, the F1 ACADEMY.

The sport has noted that the “charter is an important step in agreeing a set of clear joint principles to maintain momentum and continue to maximise diversity across Formula 1, and it sets out a collaborative approach to improve the sport in the months and years ahead.”

Commenting on the new charter, Formula One’s President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “Our sport is rightly recognised 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.

“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.”

Speaking of the announcement, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “The diversification of motor sport is paramount to its continued success.

Through ensuring equal opportunity for equal talent, increasing accessibility, and joining together in our commitment to uphold this charter, we will drive forward change. 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.”

Reflecting on the agreement, Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, who serves as the Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “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.

“This charter, which the sport commissioned us to create independently, sets a framework for progress and establishes commitment to both principles and action. It is a key step in F1’s ongoing efforts to improve access and performance, and we believe it will be a catalyst for even more positive impact and cross-sport working.”