
In July 2021, The Hamilton Commission – launched by Sir Lewis Hamilton alongside the Royal Academy of Engineering – concluded ten months of research by publishing its final report, Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport. Two years on from the report’s publication, Mission 44 has seen the industry as a whole take significant steps forward in its efforts to make motorsport more diverse and representative.
After conducting sector-wide interviews, the Commission estimated less than 1% of those working in Formula 1 were from Black backgrounds. The final report highlighted several practices and systemic factors both within and outside the motorsport industry that have contributed to this lack of diversity, outlining concrete steps that could be taken to address the problem.
Since its publication, the report’s recommendations continue to live on through the ongoing commitment and collaboration of organisations, individuals and initiatives across motorsport, including but not limited to, Formula 1 and its teams, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Ignite Partnership founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, which is today led by Mission 44.
Significant progress has been made across the recommendations and to support broader underrepresented groups including women and girls and economically disadvantaged young people. Particular progress has been seen through increased collaboration, tackling and preventing barriers in education, and improving access and progression in STEM and motorsport careers. Key headlines so far include a significant increase in scholarship and apprenticeship opportunities in motorsport; launching Mission 44’s partnership with Teach First to increase the number of Black STEM teachers inspiring future engineers and mathematicians; and Formula 1, its teams, and the Royal Academy of Engineering driving forward an F1 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Charter to help monitor the progress of diversity in the sport.
“Every young person has potential, but for too long, those from underserved backgrounds have not seen themselves represented in Formula 1, motorsport or the wider STEM industry. The publication of the Hamilton Commission was a historic moment, providing an opportunity to create change. From the classroom to the circuit, I’m incredibly proud of the work Mission 44 has done to increase diversity and inclusion, opening doors for young people to thrive.”
“As Co-Chair of The Hamilton Commission, I am delighted to see the progress that has been made in implementing the recommendations and addressing the barriers that the report identified. While there is still much work to do, I have been very encouraged by the increased focus on improving diversity and inclusion within motorsport and the greater degree of collaboration across those working to strengthen representation and equity. The Royal Academy of Engineering has also continued to support progress towards increasing diversity and inclusion in motorsport and engineering more broadly, and we are looking forward to announcing the first five awardees of the new Motorsport Scholarships MSc programme, supported by Mission 44, in September.”
A full breakdown of progress made so far:
“I really would like to go into engineering. There’s so much more to it than what you see on the TV. It’s amazing to see how so many people can work together to build something as incredible as the [F1] car. I like that it’s collaborative. From sustainability to the mechanics in the garage, it would be really nice to work amongst them.”
Declan, 17, Hertfordshire
“I really would like to go into engineering. There’s so much more to it than what you see on the TV. It’s amazing to see how so many people can work together to build something as incredible as the [F1] car. I like that it’s collaborative. From sustainability to the mechanics in the garage, it would be really nice to work amongst them.”
Declan, 17, Hertfordshire
The future of diversity in motorsport
Formula 1 is in a period of significant transformation, with teams across the paddock working on individual diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments. More broadly, Formula 1, the Formula 1 Teams, and the Royal Academy of Engineering are driving forward a key recommendation from The Hamilton Commission’s report – the F1 Charter. Together, they will be creating working groups with the teams and putting in place structures for ongoing monitoring and reporting to measure the impact and progress of these many new programmes and initiatives.
A more inclusive and diverse motorsport sector will not happen overnight. And whilst Mission 44 as a key leader and driver will continue its commitment to invest in the recommendations, it will take stakeholders from across the industry to continue to join forces to create long term systemic change.
We also know there are many other organisations, leaders and ideas mobilising and contributing. If you are also supporting the implementation of recommendations of The Hamilton Commission we invite you to reach out to info@mission44.org and join us.
Resources and opportunities
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About Mission 44
Mission 44 was founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton to build a fairer, more inclusive future in which every young person can thrive. The foundation supports bold organisations, leaders and ideas to reimagine the future and transform the lives of young people from underserved communities. Through grantmaking, research and advocacy, Mission 44 is focused on building a more inclusive education system, supporting progression into STEM careers and empowering young people to be changemakers.
About Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.