Formula 1 D&I Charter Explained

In November 2024, Formula 1 (F1), in collaboration with all ten teams and the FIA, introduced a formal Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter. The charter's foundation is deeply rooted in the recommendations outlined in the 2021 Hamilton Commission report, spearheaded by Sir Lewis Hamilton; and Mission 44, Hamilton's charitable organisation, will play a pivotal role in supporting the charter's implementation. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment within the motorsport industry, but what exactly does it do and how? 

The road to the D&I charter

The charter is a long time coming. F1 has long been a sport where talent and innovation take centre stage, but its history also reflects a lack of diversity in key roles. The push for change has been slow and often dependent on the efforts of the most underrepresented people in the space, but in 2020 it gained momentum as global discussions around diversity prompted the sport to take a closer look at its internal culture.

The Hamilton Commission, launched in the same year, investigated the barriers preventing Black professionals from accessing motorsport careers and its 2021 report highlighted structural challenges for underrepresented groups. The report called for a formal D&I commitment from F1 teams and governing bodies, laying the groundwork for the 2024 charter.

The Breakdown: Core principles and commitments

The F1 charter is structured around four primary pillars: Attract, Retain, Create, and Engage. These commitments outline how F1 and its teams will work toward a more diverse and inclusive sport.

1. Attract:

F1 will proactively seek diverse talent across roles, including engineering, mechanics, operations, and leadership positions. This involves breaking down barriers in recruitment, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and partnering with educational institutions to encourage underrepresented groups to consider careers in motorsport.

2. Retain

Beyond hiring, the charter speaks to the importance of supporting and developing diverse talent. The sport aims to create clear career progression paths, mentorship programs, and inclusive workplace cultures to ensure individuals can thrive and feel valued.

3. Create

F1 teams will be encouraged to build inclusive workspaces by implementing policies that promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunity. This also includes addressing unconscious bias, fostering collaboration between teams and employees of different backgrounds, and integrating inclusive leadership training into their structures.

4. Engage

Finally, the commitment goes beyond F1’s internal workforce. Teams and governing bodies will work with educational institutions, grassroots motorsport programs, and community organisations to improve access to the sport. This means scholarships, apprenticeships, and outreach programs will be created to ensure the next generation of engineers, mechanics, and drivers reflects the wide range of backgrounds that love and follow F1.

What the D&I charter means for Formula 1

For fans, employees, and aspiring professionals, this charter signals a commitment to a sport that better reflects the world around it. So, in practice:

For Aspiring Talent

Motorsport has traditionally been a difficult industry to break into for those without the right connections or background. The D&I charter aims to make F1 more accessible, particularly for women, ethnic minorities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholarships, training programs, and inclusive hiring policies will help young people who previously saw motorsport as out of reach have a clearer path into the industry.

For Current Employees in F1

Existing professionals within F1 teams can expect to see more emphasis on inclusive leadership and equal career advancement opportunities. The goal is to eliminate bias in promotions, pay, and opportunities for growth.

For Fans of the Sport

F1 has one of the most global and diverse fan bases in the world. The D&I charter is an acknowledgment that F1 needs to do better in representing its audience. Fans may see more representation in media, branding, and content, as well as an increase in initiatives designed to make the sport more welcoming to everyone, regardless of background.

Moving Forward: The future of inclusion in F1

While the D&I charter is a major step forward, the real test will be its execution and results. The charter’s success will depend on how well F1 teams implement the commitments and whether meaningful change is visible in hiring patterns, workplace culture, and overall diversity within the sport.

Formula 1 is at a turning point. With this new D&I charter, the sport is making a clear statement: Talent should be the only barrier to success in motorsport, and everyone deserves a fair shot at being part of it. Fans, professionals, and aspiring F1 hopefuls will now be watching closely to see whether the sport can truly deliver on its promise of a more inclusive future.