Mercedes F1 and Lewis Hamilton launch Ignite diversity initiative

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and Sir Lewis Hamilton have launched Ignite, a new joint non-profit initiative to support greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport.

Building on the latest recommendations from the Hamilton Commission, Ignite will focus its work on expanding the pipeline of more diverse talent entering the motorsport industry – and sparking and inspiring enthusiasm for motorsport through STEM education.

The UK-based initiative will aim to develop materials for the STEM curriculum and will also aim to create more diverse educators who are role models for students from underrepresented groups in the STEM field.

It will also aim to improve the “educational enrichment opportunities” related to STEM and motorsport and to provide financial assistance to talented and motivated students pursuing careers in STEM and motorsport but who do not have the means.

Ignite will be initially funded by a multi-million dollar fund created by Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team and will work closely with seven-time F1 champion’s Mission 44 personal foundation to bring results for the team and the broader UK motorsport industry.

“I’m delighted that we can finally talk about our plans for the Ignite initiative today,” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

“Since we announced our intention to start a joint project with Lewis at the beginning of the year, there has been a lot of work and discussion behind the scenes to refine our goals and our mission.

“Opening up motorsport and developing into a more diverse and inclusive team are fundamental values ​​of our team. Enjoy our fantastic sport.

“Ignite will complement our team’s Accelerate 25 program and we hope to see many more talent from underrepresented groups joining our team as well as starting careers in the broader motorsport industry through these platforms.”

Hamilton added: “Mercedes has long supported my ambition to improve diversity and inclusion in the motorsport industry. I am so excited that through Ignite we can formally work together to make this happen.

“Diverse workforces are not only more successful, but also the morally correct approach for any industry. The Hamilton Commission’s findings have provided us with a fantastic foundation to start our work with and I am confident that Ignite will lead to real, tangible change in motorsport. I’ve been one of the few black employees in Formula 1 for 15 years, and I’m proud that my work with Mercedes will change that for the better. “