JUST IN: Ferrari team boss makes ‘not politically correct’ statement about Lewis Hamilton’s diversity drive
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has sparked a debate in the Formula One paddock by admitting that performance is his top priority, ahead of improving diversity within the Italian constructor. While Vasseur’s comments may not be “politically correct,” he remains committed to moving in the right direction on the diversity front.
The issue of diversity has been a pressing concern in Formula One, with Lewis Hamilton being a leading voice in the push for change. The seven-time world champion has used his platform to speak out against racism and promote diversity, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Hamilton’s commitment to diversity is evident in his work with the Hamilton Commission, which aims to increase black representation in UK motorsport. He has also played a key role in changing Mercedes’ approach to team makeup, and his legacy is expected to continue even after his departure from the team.
However, Vasseur’s comments suggest that Ferrari’s approach to diversity may be more gradual. “It’s not politically correct, but first is performance,” Vasseur told TIME Magazine. “I’m keen to go into the direction of diversity and so on. We are doing our best effort. We are trying to push in this direction, but I want to build up the best team.”
Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari, has acknowledged that he did have concerns about the team’s diversity when he signed his contract. “I did think, Oh my God, I’ve finally got a more diverse working environment that we’ve built over time,” he admitted. “And now I’m going back to the beginning of my time with Mercedes, where it wasn’t diverse.”
Hamilton’s push for diversity has not been without its challenges. The Ferrari driver has faced opposition from figures such as Donald Trump, who has launched a widespread attack on “DEI hires” across several industries. However, Hamilton remains undeterred, knowing that he cannot change the opinions of others, but can instead focus on creating positive change in his own environment.
“I’m not going to change what he does, or the government does,” Hamilton said. “All I can do is try to make sure that in my space, in my environment, I’m trying to elevate people. There’s going to be forces along the way that don’t want that, for whatever reason I can’t fathom. That doesn’t stop me. It is a fight that we’ll just keep fighting.”
Hamilton’s experiences with racism in the past have only strengthened his resolve to promote diversity and inclusion. In 2008, he faced a vulgar act of racism from some members of the Barcelona crowd during pre-season testing. Italian society continues to grapple with its own issues with racism, which occasionally surface in Italian football matches.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton remains optimistic about the future, knowing that he is not alone in his quest for change. “I’m not going to lie, it definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision,” he said. “Like in so many things, it’s often such a small group of people that set that trend for many. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”
