Mercedes to race in new black livery
Mercedes will run a new black livery in Formula 1 in 2020 as a signal of their commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport.
The announcement comes amid global protests around the world in support of Black Lives Matter, a campaign which Hamilton – the first black superstar in F1 history – has vocally supported. The new livery from Mercedes comes in the background of this.
Team principal Toto Wolff had some strong words to say :-
Lewis Hamilton backed the team completely
Hamilton has since announced the setting up of a new commission to improve diversity in motorsport. Also a new Task Force specifically focused at identifying the employment and education opportunities for under-represented groups across Formula 1.
Bold move by Mercedes
It marks a radical departure from the world champions’ iconic silver colours, which has been on its F1 cars since returning to the grid in 2010. At the start of the year Mercedes had launched a car which stuck to this theme, which was on the car during preseason testing in February.
Mercedes also disclosed only 3% of its workforce identify as belonging to an ethnic minority, while just 12% are women. The team plans to announce a diversity and inclusion programme before the end of the season.
Formula 1 in 2020
The season begins on 5th July in Austria. However, much of the schedule is still uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic.
There will be two races in Austria, one in Hungary and then two in the UK to kick the season off.
Races in Spain, Belgium and Italy will follow but as it stands there are only eight races on the calendar.