Mercedes has switched to an all-black livery for the 2020 Formula One racing season.
In a statement on their official Twitter account, Mercedes says they are “introducing our new 2020 livery – a pledge to improve the diversity of our team and our sport, and a signal of the team’s commitment to fighting racism and discrimination in all its forms”.
For 2020, Mercedes shifted to black away from silver – which has been the company’s primary color scheme in racing since the 1930s.
Mercedes F1 team acknowledged in a statement that “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.”
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff said: “Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team, this is a core belief at Mercedes, but having the right beliefs and the right mindset isn’t enough if we remain silent. We wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality, and the Silver Arrow will race in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to greater diversity within our team and our sport.
Additionally, Mercedes’ top driver and six-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has announced he is setting up a commission in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering to promote black participation in motorsport.
“It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves, whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity, said Hamilton. “I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.”