Diversity in Motorsport: Lewis Hamilton, Mission 44, and the Future of Formula 1
7x World Champion Lewis Hamilton is both a champion on track and for diversity.
Mission 44, the non-profit organization founded in 2021 by Lewis Hamilton, is fighting for equal opportunities both on and off the track for populations underrepresented in motorsport. The 7x World Champion saw the lack of diversity in Formula 1 and aimed to make a difference.
October 17th, the Thursday preceding the United States Grand Prix, Mission 44 invited students from the greater Austin area to explore the intersections of STEM and motorsport with activities and access to the Formula 1 paddock. The goal was to introduce students from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing STEM subjects to the exclusive and illustrious world of Formula 1, a world that often feels off-limits to many. Female and minority engineering students from Code2College and The Ann Richards School for Young Women leaders, as well as the Make It Center were in attendance at the event.
Students enjoyed a private tour of the paddock and Pirelli tire fitting zone and participated in a design workshop hosted by Hot Wheels. Students were given the opportunity to design their own F1 car, personalizing it to their preferences. The shining moment of this event, however, was when Lewis Hamilton surprised the group with a visit, answering questions, viewing their creations, and sharing words of wisdom.
The CEO of Mission 44 James Arthur expressed his joy for the work the organization does for diversity efforts in STEM and motorsport: “I hope they’ve been inspired to believe anything is possible in STEM, and that there’s a place for them in this industry.”
This isn’t the first time Mission 44 has brought students to the Circuit of the Americas. In 2023, they held a joint event with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, Pirelli, and Nasa where students were given access to an exclusive Q&A with Lewis Hamilton, hands-on activities, and workshops. Students were also invited to a panel with Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy and Stephanie Travers, former trackside engineer with Mercedes-AMG Petronas and current impact manager at Mission 44.
Lewis Hamilton explained the ultimate goal for Mission 44, “Through the work that we’re doing, we have the chance to build a better future for today’s young people in the UK and around the world.” By showing students what is possible, Mission 44 is changing futures.
After the Mission 44 event concluded Thursday, Lewis Hamilton invited current karting world champion Kenzo Craigie to the Mercedes team garage and for a hot lap by Hamilton. On his instagram, Hamilton shared that he was “proud to have Kenzo with us in Austin. Always inspiring to see and support the next gen.”
Hamilton is working for increased diversity in motorsport, engaging with younger drivers from underrepresented backgrounds, including the young women racing in F1 Academy. Last year during the 2023 season, Lewis Hamilton visited the F1 Academy paddock, speaking with the drivers during their inaugural year. This year, Lewis Hamilton has been seen at the F1 Academy paddock several times, most notably at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he proudly embraced Doriane Pin after her race win.
In addition, Hamilton was a commissioner and co-chair of The Hamilton Commission, Accelerating Change: Improving Representation of Black People in UK Motorsport, a report addressing “systemic issues preventing young Black people from pursuing careers in STEM [and motorsport]” produced in association with The Royal Academy of Engineering. The publication included interviews and data from across the UK to support the report’s message. It also addressed Formula 1 and the UK motorsport sector, young Black students and their interest in motorsport and STEM, post-16 education, and higher education, and the steps necessary to address the race disparity in these industries. This work, published in July 2021, has been praised for its honesty and is an important step in increasing opportunities in motorsport for young black drivers, as well as other minorities. The President of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali called the work “impressive” and restated Formula 1’s commitment to future diversification. “We completely agree that we need to increase diversity across the sport.”
Hamilton has spent his career fighting for diversity, actively working to elevate underrepresented individuals in motorsport and creating opportunities for the next generation. But what happens after Lewis Hamilton inevitably retires? Many wonder who will lead the charge. Fans are curious if his Ferrari contract, which has him racing for the Scuderia beginning in 2025, will be his last. Would Hamilton consider prolonging his career until Formula 1 diversifies more and introduces female drivers to the grid? Though the F2 and F3 grids are considerably more diverse than they have been in the past, there’s still a question as to who will actually progress to Formula 1 in the future.
It begs the question, what will Formula 1’s diversity look like in the absence of Lewis Hamilton on track?
As the first and only black driver in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton is determined to not be the last. There’s speculation in the motorsport community that Hamilton and Mission 44 will continue to fight for increased diversity in motorsport, even long after his racing career has ended. Hamilton’s fight to elevate individuals from underrepresented groups and create opportunities for those who struggle to see themselves in these sometimes off-limits spaces will be etched into his legacy alongside his 7 world titles. “Despite the championships, the wins, and the pole positions, setting up Mission 44 has been my proudest achievement so far.” The impact Lewis Hamilton has left on motorsport, the international community, and future drivers may very well be his crowning glory.
