Six-time Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes team will run all-black livery on their cars this season. The reigning constructors’ champions are taking this step as part of a huge message against racism.
Mercedes have traditionally raced in silver but will take on the new look for the delayed campaign which begins in Austria this weekend.
Hamilton will open his title defence at the Red Bull Ring hot on the heels of an acrimonious row with the sport’s former supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Hamilton condemned Ecclestone for his “ignorant” comments after the former F1 boss said during a TV interview, “a lot of black people are more racist than white people”
The six-times world champion described Ecclestone’s remarks as “sad and disappointing”.
Hamilton has been vocal about the Black Lives Matter movement, saying he was overcome with rage following the killing of George Floyd by a white policeman. He attended an anti-racism march in London this month.
“It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity,” Hamilton said.
“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 [Mercedes chief] Toto Wolff 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 listen, to talk, and to really understand my experiences and passion, and for making this important statement that we are willing to change and improve as a business.”
Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will wear black overalls this year. The “End Racism” message will feature on both cars.
“We want to build a legacy that goes beyond sport and if we can be the leaders and can start building more diversity within our own business, it will send such a strong message and give others the confidence to begin a dialogue about how they can implement change,” Hamilton said.
Mercedes have also pledged to improve diversity within their own corridors. The team, who are based in Northamptonshire, revealed that 3% of its workforce comes from a minority ethnic group and 12% of its employees are female.
“Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team,” Wolff said.
“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 and the Silver Arrows 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.”
The season starts in with a Grand Prix at Spielberg on Sunday (July 5), the first of eight to be held across 10 weekends.
