Hamilton: Important to 'seize this moment' to ensure inclusivity

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes vow to build a legacy that "goes beyond the sport" and helps instill more diversity in F1 and in the manufacturer's business.

Mercedes revealed on Monday that it will run its 2020 W11 in an all-black base livery this season, an initiative that reflects the team's push for diversity and inclusion in the sport and in its industry.

The German manufacturer's initiative comes in the aftermath of global protests against racial injustice, with Hamilton actively voicing his concerns about F1's lack of diversity.

• Mercedes commits to diversity with all-black base livery for W11!

The British driver, who recently announced the launch of The Hamilton Commission in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and which aims to improve diversity in motorsport and STEM industries, has spurred on his employer and encouraged the automotive company to take a stand against racism on the corporate level.

"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," stated Hamilton.

"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 Toto 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.

"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."

Both Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas will race in black overalls this season, with both drivers also adapting their helmet designs.

"Formula One is a world that is defined by performance, but it still contains many barriers for people who come from backgrounds that haven't traditionally been part of the sport," added Bottas.

"We know that our teams are stronger when they are more representative of the society we are part of, and it is important for us to be united and show our commitment to change.

"Racism and discrimination have no place in our sport or in our society and I am proud to stand with the team, with Lewis and with Mercedes-Benz in making this important statement."

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