F1 launches scholarship and internship programs to improve diversity

Just a day after the Hamilton Commission revealed its recommendations to improve the representation of Black people in F1, the sport has unveiled a raft of scholarship, internship and apprenticeship plans to improve diversity within its vast community.

Formula 1's initiative builds on its #WeRaceAsOne campaign launched in 2020 and the formation of a foundation personally funded by former F1 non-executive chairman Chase Carey dedicated to financing primarily engineering-focused scholarships in the sport for underrepresented students.

Overall, F1 has put three programs on their rails with the support and commitment of all ten teams.

The first initiative will provide engineering scholarships for 10 students from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, women, and those from under-privileged backgrounds, that will "provide the full cost of a student’s tuition, together with a living stipend".

Participating universities in the UK and in Italy will include MUNER, The Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna (3 scholars), the University of Oxford and Strathclyde University (2 scholars each) the University of Cambridge, Coventry University and Manchester Metropolitan University (1 scholar each).

Each university will run an "independent selection process to determine the scholarship recipients".

The second initiative will involve a Formula 1 Apprentice Programme that will see F1 place "two long term apprentices from underrepresented groups within the organisation in 2021. The apprenticeships will begin in September and have a focus on mechanical engineering."

Finally, the Formula 1 Internship Programme will see six interns from underrepresented groups offered "roles across the F1 organisation in 2021, with a mix of short and longer-term placements".

Two of the placements have already been assigned within the Motorsport and Marketing teams, while the remaining four "will be recruited over the coming weeks via multiple D&I partners".

"Formula 1 is a global sport with fans across the world," said F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali.

"We want to be as diverse as our fan base and that is why we are taking action to ensure talented people from underrepresented groups have the best opportunities to get into, and build, a fantastic career in this amazing sport.

• Read also: Hamilton Commission releases first report - issues recommendations

"I am delighted to announce that scholars, apprentices and interns will get the chance to fulfil their dreams in Formula 1 and I know they have amazing futures ahead of them. I want to pay particular thanks to Chase whose generous donation is funding the ten scholarships.

"Our #WeRaceAsOne platform is our commitment to make real change and shows our recognition that we know we must make a positive contribution to the world we live in. All of the teams are committed to this and the work of the Hamilton Commission shows the dedication to addressing these issues across Formula 1.

"Our focus is on Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability and Community and we will continue to drive forward with our plans to be more diverse, more sustainable and leave a lasting positive impact on the countries and communities we visit.

"We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead."

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