Hamilton reveals Mercedes RETURN plans as Ferrari chief speaks…read more
Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his decision to return to Mercedes after initially planning to leave the team in 2024. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion will make his final appearance for Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and is set to join Ferrari in 2025. While Hamilton’s time with Mercedes has been marked by immense success, including multiple championships, his impact goes far beyond the racetrack. His legacy includes significant contributions to diversity and inclusion within the sport.
Hamilton has played a pivotal role in advancing diversity during his time with Mercedes, notably through the establishment of his charity, Mission 44. The foundation focuses on creating educational opportunities and career paths for underrepresented communities in motorsport. Under his leadership, Mercedes implemented important diversity initiatives that not only transformed the team but also had a lasting effect on the wider Formula 1 community.
Despite his upcoming departure from the team, Hamilton is dedicated to ensuring that the diversity work he initiated continues. Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has assured Hamilton that the team will remain committed to promoting diversity and inclusion long after his departure. Hamilton recalled the early stages of this journey, which began with open discussions between him and Wolff about tackling these critical issues. He praised the team for being open-minded and willing to invest in creating a more diverse and inclusive environment. Hamilton expressed deep gratitude for the team’s willingness to make these changes, resulting in a workforce that better reflects the diverse world of motorsport.
Hamilton is confident that the commitment to diversity will remain intact even after he leaves the team. He acknowledged that his role involved challenging Mercedes to have difficult conversations about inclusion, and he now believes that others will continue to carry the torch. Wolff has reassured Hamilton that the progress made will not be undone, and the momentum for diversity and inclusion will persist. In fact, Hamilton has even expressed plans to visit Mercedes occasionally to ensure that the team continues its work on this front.
This announcement comes as Hamilton prepares for a new chapter in his career with Ferrari. However, while his racing future lies with a new team, his dedication to diversity in motorsport remains steadfast. Hamilton has made it clear that he will continue to be involved in pushing for inclusion and equality in the sport, even from a distance. His legacy at Mercedes is not only defined by his racing achievements but also by the lasting impact he has had on the team’s culture and its approach to diversity.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes does not signal the end of his influence on the team’s diversity initiatives. He has made it clear that his connection to the team will remain strong, and he will continue to monitor the progress of the diversity efforts he helped to establish. As Hamilton transitions to Ferrari, he remains committed to ensuring that his work to foster inclusion in Formula 1 lives on. His legacy, therefore, will be felt far beyond his racing career, as the diversity work he championed continues to shape the future Of the sport.
