F1 News: Lewis Hamilton Challenges FIA Over Inclusivity Issues - "It Doesn't Surprise Me"
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has consistently championed societal change within motorsport. His unwavering push for diversity and inclusivity has ignited numerous initiatives from Mercedes as well as from F1 and the FIA.
The Mission 44 initiative, led by Hamilton, provides opportunities for underprivileged individuals to access STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects.
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On top of this, the Hamilton Commission report from 2021 was instrumental in bringing about new tools and projects, widely adopted across the F1 sector.
Hamilton's efforts extend to amplifying female talent in F1, from budding drivers, as seen in his endorsement of the W Series, to the crucial roles women play as mechanics, engineers, and other team positions.
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However, the FIA rulebook still reflects an oversight. Unlike periodic updates, a comprehensive overhaul is needed, as the regulations refer exclusively to drivers using 'he'. This is a stark difference from the FIM and MotoGP, where the gender-neutral term 'rider' is used.
When questioned about this by the media, Hamilton responded:
"It doesn't surprise me.
"It is only men in that room and it has been since I've been here.
"There has not been enough importance [on changing], probably. Maybe there is another side but definitely not encouraging to hear that."
This disparity underscores the need for motorsport to not only embrace but also integrate diversity in all aspects, including the very language of its regulatory frameworks. Hamilton's remarks reiterate the urgency for F1 to deeply embed diversity in its essence.