‘The world could return to being entirely male-dominated’

Lewis Hamilton fears progress made in promoting diversity and inclusivity could be reversed as initiatives supporting them come under attack.

The Ferrari driver began his efforts to promote motorsport and engineering roles to young people from under-represented backgrounds when he was a Mercedes driver. He established The Hamilton Commission to conduct research in 2020, and the following year established Mission 44, a global project to create a more inclusive future for young people.

However diversity, equality and inclusivity programmes face increasing threats in some parts of the world, notably the USA. President Donald Trump began dismantling the US government’s diversity programmes after returning to office in January.

Hamilton believes it’s therefore more important than ever to promote diversity. “The fight is for a more inclusive environment, and we need to keep pushing,” he said in an interview for Corriere della Sera. “People’s mindsets don’t change overnight. We have to talk and act.

“It’s for the kids watching us – otherwise, this world would go back to being entirely male-dominated. We see what’s happening with governments. In the US, they’re taking steps backwards and rejecting certain issues.”

Hamilton has a residence and business interests in the USA. He said he has already seen the consequences of those working to abolish diversity programmes.

“A friend of mine who manages scholarships for young people from minority and socially-disadvantaged backgrounds was told he could no longer do it,” he said. “The US is quite different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring a positive light.”

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The seven-times world champion has in the past attracted criticism for his work in fields beyond motor racing, which also include fashion, music and film. He told the Italian newspaper: “If I only talked about racing, I’d go mad.”

“I have an efficient team in London that manages my business,” said Hamilton. “You need creativity: choosing a cast, organising a fashion show – for me, it’s a breath of fresh air.”

Motorsport UK, the governing body of British motorsport, announced this week it has certified 20 schools in England as part of its Race for Diversity initiative, which is supported by Mission 44.

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