Mercedes reveal new all-black race suits for 2020 F1 season
Mercedes has revealed the new all-black race overalls that will be worn by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas as part of the team’s new diversity campaign for the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Mercedes has revealed the new all-black race overalls that will be worn by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas as part of the team’s new diversity campaign for the 2020 Formula 1 season.
On the eve of the new season, which begins this weekend in Austria, Mercedes caused a stir when it unveiled a brand new black-based livery for 2020 as a signal of its commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport, in a rare departure away from the company’s traditional silver colour scheme.
The change was inspired by Black Lives Matter movement, with Mercedes’ predominantly black W11s carrying the slogan ‘end racism’ on their roll hoops, as well as F1’s new #WeRaceAsOne hashtag for the sport’s own diversity initiative launched ahead of the season.
Hamilton, who praised the move by Mercedes as an “important statement”, and his teammate Bottas, will both wear the new black race suits throughout the 2020 season, beginning at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.
The German manufacturer’s clear visual display of unity will be backed up by a new programme aimed at promote diversity and inclusion within its workforce.
First look at W11 in the carbon... #WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/ZSLy5xuL7V
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) July 2, 2020
Mercedes said in a team statement that just "just 3% of our workforce identify as belonging to minority ethnic groups and only 12% of our employees are women.
"This lack of diversity shows that we need to find new approaches to attract talent from many areas of society we do not currently reach.”
The programme will include raising awareness, analysing their current recruitment policies, and collaborating with F1 stakeholders on accessibility and education initiatives.
The Mercedes AMG F1 Safety Car will also carry a new livery promoting the sport's new #WeRaceAsOne initiative.
The @F1 Safety Car has a new look @MercedesBenz is proud to support #WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/ppiGXRJca4
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) July 2, 2020
