Brackley, England
Lewis Hamilton launched a charitable foundation Tuesday that will both support diversity and inclusion in motorsports and empower underrepresented youth groups in Britain.
The seven-time Formula One champion formed Mission 44 with a personal pledge of 20 million pounds ($27.5 million) earmarked to support programs and organizations that narrow the gap in employment and education systems.
Additionally, Hamilton partnered with his Mercedes team on the “Ignite” initiative to focus on ensuring better representation of “diverse students studying STEM and engineering, as well as wider parts of the industry.” Ignite will work closely with Mission 44.
The initiatives stemmed from findings of The Hamilton Commission, which was formed to increase representation of Black people in British motorsports.
The commission earlier this month published its first report that included 10 recommendations for change.“Diverse workforces are not only more successful but are also the morally correct approach for any industry,” Hamilton said.—AP
