A new F1 Diversity and Inclusion charter has officially been launched in a groundbreaking move that underscores Formula 1’s commitment to fostering fairness, equality and inclusion in the sport.
The initiative which has garnered the backing of all ten F1 teams, the FIA, and notable figures such as Lewis Hamilton, represents a significant step forward in addressing the historical lack of representation in motorsport.
The F1 Diversity and Inclusion charter is rooted in the recommendations of The Hamilton Commission, established by the seven-time world champion in 2021 to tackle the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in motorsport.
The charter aims to implement actionable measures that will enhance diversity across all levels of Formula 1. At the core of the charter are four key pillars: Attract, Retain, Create, and Engage which serve as a framework for initiatives designed to make motorsport more accessible and inclusive.
The vision articulated by the F1 Diversity and Inclusion charter is clear: to enable anyone to access, contribute to, and enjoy global motorsport. The mission is equally ambitious—identifying and removing barriers that hinder diverse talent from thriving in F1 workplaces while improving collaboration with stakeholders to drive innovation.
These initiatives include outreach programs aimed at engaging young people from diverse backgrounds and providing them with pathways into careers in motorsport.
The charter’s introduction comes at a time when Formula 1 is already making strides towards inclusivity through initiatives such as the F1 Academy—a program aimed at nurturing female talent—and various engineering scholarships targeting underrepresented groups.
The implementation of the F1 Diversity and Inclusion charter will be supported by Lewis Hamilton’s charitable foundation, Mission 44, dedicated to promoting greater representation in motorsport.
Mission 44 has already been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at increasing access for young people facing social injustices through education and empowerment programs.
Recent research conducted by Mission 44 indicates that structured commitments—like those outlined in the new charter—can effectively promote accountability and drive progress within organizations.
Besides the foundational elements, the F1 Diversity and Inclusion charter also calls for ongoing engagement with external stakeholders. This collaborative approach aims to foster dialogue and learning opportunities that can further inform strategies for enhancing diversity within F1.
As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, Formula 1 plans to establish measurable objectives with key performance indicators (KPIs) that will allow stakeholders to track progress over time.
Speaking on the new charter, President & CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali 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 F1 Diversity and Inclusion charter is the next important milestone on that journey, and we are all committed to making our sport more open and diverse.”
Dr. Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering which assisted in creating the charter expressed optimism about its potential impact.
She added: “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.
”The F1 Diversity and Inclusion 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.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm for the charter, stating: “The diversification of motorsport 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.”
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