Mercedes F1 team came up with a new idea to show their support and commitment against racism and inequality.
The company had been using Silver scheme since 1930s to represent itself. But they will run a new all black car this season as sign of their commitment for inclusiveness and equality in the sport.
Mercedes has supported its driver Lewis Hamilton who stood for Black Lives Matter movement. The company said the movement had “shone a searching light on how much we need new measures and actions in the fight against racism”.
Hamilton,World champion, appreciated the stance of the company and considered it an “important statement we are willing to change and improve as a business”.
Mercedes F1 team revealed that “just 3% of our workforce identify as belonging to minority ethnic groups and only 12% of our employees are women.
“This lack of diversity shows that we need to find new approaches to attract talent from many areas of society we do not currently reach.”
The team reaffirmed it support for inclusiveness of all races and genders. It will also launch a programme with F1 stakeholders to increase awareness and acceptability throughout the sport.
Mercedes Team Principal
Toto Wolff, Mercedes F1 team principal, said: “Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team. This is a core belief at Mercedes.
“But having the right beliefs and the right mindset isn’t enough if we remain silent.
“We wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality. The Silver Arrow will race in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to greater diversity within our team and our sport.
“We will not shy away from our weaknesses in this area, nor from the progress we must still make; our livery is our public pledge to take positive action.”
Hamilton has stood for the black community and announced a commission in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering. The commission will help in promoting the black community in the motorsport.
He added: “It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves”
“I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.
“When I spoke to Toto about my hopes for what we could achieve as a team, I said it was so important that we stand united.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Toto and the Mercedes board for taking the time to really understand.
“And for making this important statement that we are willing to change and improve as a business.”
