Fred Vasseur still supports Hamilton’s diversity push (Image: Getty)
team principal has admitted that ‘performance’ is his priority ahead of improving diversity within the Italian constructor, despite that not being ‘politically correct’. However, the Frenchman is still committed to moving in the right ‘direction’ on that front.
has been a leading figure in the paddock when it comes to pushing for increased diversity. The Brit remains the only black driver to have competed in F1 and, since becoming more politically active and socially aware during the pandemic, has used his platform to speak out and kickstart change.
The seven-time world champion started the Hamilton Commission to increase black representation in UK motorsport and also played a key role in changing ’ approach to team make-up – something that has pledged will continue after his departure.
At , the adaption process may be slower. “It’s not politically correct, but first is performance,” Vasseur told . “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.”
This concern flashed across Hamilton’s mind when he signed his contract in early 2024. “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 , where it wasn’t diverse.”
Hamilton’s push for diversity has been countered by returning US president , who has launched a widespread attack on ‘DEI hires’ across several industries. The driver has businesses and a residence in the States but knows that he cannot challenge the 47th president on the matter.
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Lewis Hamilton plans to bring his diversity push to Ferrari (Image: Getty)
“I’m not going to change what he does, or the government does,” he continued. “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.”
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Hamilton has faced racism before in F1. At pre-season testing in 2008, some members of the Barcelona crowd co-ordinated a vulgar act of racism against the man, who was navigating his sophomore season in the series. Italian society is still working to eliminate its own issues with racism, which continue to affect Italian football matches sporadically.
“I’m not going to lie, it definitely crossed my mind when I was thinking about my decision,” Hamilton added. “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.”