World champion Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will drive a predominantly black car in the upcoming Formula 1 season. Mercedes presented a new livery on Monday as a statement against racism.
“We are showing that we are against racism and discrimination in any form,” Mercedes said in a statement. “It is also a public commitment that we will do more to improve diversity within our team and in sports.”
Hamilton, the first and as yet only black driver in Formula 1, has been vocal in the racism debate for weeks. A week and a half ago, he announced that he will set up a committee to investigate how motorsport can offer more opportunities for people with black skin.
Mercedes has previously made it clear that it is behind Hamilton. “Over the past five weeks, the Black Lives Matter movement has demonstrated how much we need new measures to combat racism and discrimination,” the team wrote Monday.
The delayed F1 season starts next weekend with the Austrian Grand Prix. Formula 1 will show a message against racism at the race on the Red Bull Ring and throughout the season. The organization is also working on a working group that focuses on possible actions that are necessary for more diversity in the paddock.
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