Lewis Hamilton is forming a new commission to use motorsport to engage young black people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The six-times world champion, who has often spoken of his desire to improve diversity in motorsport, revealed details of his plans in a column for The Sunday Times.“I have been working with the Royal Academy of Engineering to create The Hamilton Commission, a research partnership dedicated to exploring how motorsport can be used as a vehicle to engage more young people from black backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and, ultimately, employ them on our teams or in other engineering sectors,” said Hamilton.
“It will explore areas including lack of role models and career services at schools, opportunities to engage more black youth with STEM extracurriculars, barriers that prevent people from more diverse backgrounds joining the racing industry, and problematic hiring practices that result in fewer black graduates entering engineering professions.”
Hamilton said a goal of the commission is to help motorsport become a more diverse environment.
“I hope that The Hamilton Commission enables real, tangible and measurable change. When I look back in 20 years, I want to see the sport that gave a shy, working-class black kid from Stevenage so much opportunity, become as diverse as the complex and multicultural world we live in.”
He said the commission will work within black communities and wants feedback from those who have faced barriers which have hindered their efforts to participate in motorsport.
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A M (@amam)
20th June 2020, 20:25
Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Well done to LH for putting his money where his mouth is. This is impressive.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st June 2020, 8:32
@amam I completely agree. I particularity appreciate that it isn’t focused on a narrow “let’s find the next Lewis Hamilton”-type goal, but the broader aim of tackling the type of skills shortages and educational gaps that cause inequality. He’s been talking about the lack of diversity in F1 for years – long before the events of past weeks – and many people, myself included, have been wondering how he would use his considerable wealth and influence to address the problem. Now we have the answer and I think it’s a smart, well-judged one.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st June 2020, 16:03
Yes, this seems to be the perfect answer to all people who said “let him put his money where his mouth is” in recent months.
Good to see Hamilton take this step, do achieve something motorsport badly needs.
Oxnard (@montalvo)
20th June 2020, 20:29
But isn’t this ‘buying equality’? Equality is a mindset, I’m not sure if this is the way.
johnt1788 (@johnt1788)
20th June 2020, 21:29
A lot of inequality is due to disparity in wealth between different groups. So much inequality is bought too.
How else will this particular problem be solved other than someone choosing to chuck some money at it?
Nik (@nickelodeon81)
20th June 2020, 21:38
Equality of opportunity vs equality of outcome are two different things. You can’t buy the latter, the best is the best no matter what. But you can do is help to ensure the first – that anyone with talent has the chance to prove themselves, no matter who or where they come from.
KGN11
20th June 2020, 22:51
Equality is not a mindset. And no it’s not buying anything.
He does nothing, he gets criticised. He does something positive and still he gets criticised.
knightameer (@knightameer)
21st June 2020, 12:26
Some people are like this. We can never win them over. Lewis here is doing more than enough for the cause, yet still he is criticized.
Robbie (@robbie)
21st June 2020, 13:30
True. But let’s remember there is a systemic problem here, so of course there are going to be critics. The more great work the likes of LH does, the more will be diminished the systemic problem and the fewer and fewer the already minority of people who are the problem, the obstacle, will get in the way. This will take some time and will not happen overnight. So yes while there are critics, let’s be aware that overall they are the minority and not nearly in equal numbers to those with open minds.
When I saw the words ‘buying equality’ I could only think of the buying of slaves that started this whole tragic saga 400 years ago, at least here in North America anyway.
Simon Stiel
20th June 2020, 20:36
A positive development. Once Hamilton retires from driving, this could be a commitment alongside his fashion and music.
JMDan (@danmar)
20th June 2020, 20:49
While Lewis virtue signals this guy does this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsKNXrD8aIY
JMDan (@danmar)
20th June 2020, 21:13
– Hey JMDan, that’s stupid.
– I know. I wanted to do a thread with myself but I forgot how limited this site’s comment section is.
F1oSaurus (@f1osaurus)
20th June 2020, 22:56
@danmar Lol thay guy would probably be almost as successful as Ferrari and it’s drivers were in 2019 at not winning races.
JMDan (@danmar)
20th June 2020, 21:18
Good luck to you Lewis.
milan (@sermilan)
20th June 2020, 22:04
Positive discrimination is still discrimination. By taking a certain group and lifting it from down bellow others to up above the others one still keeps them separate. The point is we’re all equal. Instead of “black lives matter” the goal should be “ALL lives matter”.
Hamilton remains the dumbest of all on F1 grid. I have the feeling he’s doing this just because it’s popular and I’m sure he didn’t have any real issues while advancing from kart to F1 because of his race (which is, by the way, mixed).
He’s bringing the race issue where it really isn’t an issue. Pure dumbass!
Nik (@nickelodeon81)
20th June 2020, 22:19
Who says they need elevating above others? We could take a certain disadvantaged group, and lift them from down below others, to level with others. Is anyone saying black drivers need complete fewer laps to win? Or to drive faster cars than others? Or to score lower exam scores than thier peers to pass?
Fantomius (@liko41)
22nd June 2020, 15:57
Lifting someone above others is NOT leveling.
Positive actions are indeed a very dangerous policy to implement, in the US they oftentimes meant admitting more students of color in a college class, at the expenses of more deserving white people.
This is the sole point @sermilan is actually right about.
The rest of his comment is pure h@te.
Zsolt Hegedus (@tresz)
20th June 2020, 23:04
I really couldn’t agree more. Hamilton always finds the one things which brings him more followers to instagram/facebook.
matt90 (@matt90)
20th June 2020, 23:30
That is the goal. The idea is that generally society already puts more value on white lives, so they want to emphasise that black lives are also of value.
I honestly don’t understand how people are failing to get this after so long, and can only assume it is misunderstood wilfully.
GongTong (@gongtong)
20th June 2020, 23:53
@matt90 it really does have to be wilfully. As you say.
He’s literally explained in his own statement that the goal is to push a project to “remove barriers”. Not give advatages. Any “advantage” given through this so-called positive discrimination would be temporary and only to overcome the existing advantages that we have.
But I guess a lot of us still aren’t comfortable accepting that we have these advantages. I’m ashamed to admit that it took me a while to accept mine.
anon
21st June 2020, 23:34
@gongtong it does certainly seem to be the case that those often using the “all lives matter” term often seem to use that as a justification to then say “so we don’t need programmes to help others” – falsely arguing that they want equality when their actions are to counteract the very sorts of programmes that might help bring about that sort of equality in the first place.
William Jones
20th June 2020, 23:59
Technically he’s Black-British, which includes his particular flavour of mixed. He shouldn’t be ticking the Mixed-Other category, which is the only category which includes the word ‘mixed, and he shouldn’t specifically because his mother is British. If she were, say, Chinese, then he would be Mixed, Other. But she’s not, so he’s Black, British.
A M (@amam)
21st June 2020, 1:16
This is a dumbass things to say.
You are, rather ignorantly, trying to imply that Hamilton is simply getting on the BLM bandwagon & is now only voicing his concerns regarding diversity, simply because race relations is the current hot topic.
Campaigning for diversity isn’t something that Hamilton has only now just picked up. It’s something that Hamilton has been vocal about for many years. why don’t you do a simple search & educate yourself on this. For example,.here’s one from 2yrs ago:
https://clone.racefans.net/2018/03/28/hamilton-f1-diversity/
And you know this how? Again, there are many articles/interviews from way back when…over 10yrs ago where Hamilton & indeed his father, explains some of the racial abuse they endured in karting & beyond.
Try reading up & being more informative.
Terry T
21st June 2020, 11:21
iCarbs (@icarby)
21st June 2020, 19:22
Because of comments and ideologies like yours is the reason we have this mess today.
The fact he has and probably still experiences racism in a highly rich and white dominated sport is extremely sad and with all his success he still is the only black driver in the sport.
Lewis was extremely fortunate to get an opportunity but there are obviously still barriers in the way preventing other black driver’s and/or other professionals from breaking into the sport/Industry.
I wish this wasn’t necessary and it is also clear that other non-black members of the industry either don’t care or fully understand the atrocities against BAME individuals.
Its simple, treat everyone equally and the “all lives matter” statement can be realised. I for one don’t require the help just expect to be treated and respected as anyone would.
somed000d
21st June 2020, 21:56
hamilton is very disconnected. i am a brown american. there are so many self imposed issues in these communities that offering people excuses and blaming it on “racism” is the most racist thing one can do.
Madman (@madman)
22nd June 2020, 10:12
I think everyone is missing the point. We are NOT all equal and no matter how hard we strive for it, it is an impossible and stupid target to try and achieve. The fact is we are all unique. We are all different – and this should be celebrated. (Please bear with me on this, I do have a point).
I am quite mathematically minded and generally pick up new maths quite quickly and have good long term memory and recalling events, but awful short term memory. My wife however has far more common sense than me and is much better at remembering our short term future plans – honestly it is like she has our calendar imprinted on her brain! The reason we work well together is because we compliment each other and help each other with our weaker areas. Alas, the times we struggle and argue are the times we forget to/can’t see things from the other person’s perspective.
We should be celebrating our differences – not trying to make everyone conform and be ‘equal’. It is our differences that make the world such a beautiful and diverse place – which if we didn’t have we wouldn’t have a society that works the way it does. I am an engineer and love my job, though I sit at a computer most of the day. My wife would hate to be stuck at a computer everyday – hence she enjoys her job of being a nursery nurse. If everyone were equal to me we would have a world of only engineers. This wouldn’t work as there would be noone to look after, raise or teach the children, so they would not know how to be engineers? Thus they would not become engineers and thus not equal – EQUALITY IS UNACHIEVABLE!
The point is – what we should actually be striving for is FAIRNESS. In the UK there is a majority of ‘white’ people – so naturally you would expect a majority of ‘good/well paying’ jobs to be white people. Equality says there should be as many black, blue, brown, yellow, pink, and green people in these jobs as white people. Why? A job should be given to the person (thought to be) most able to fit that job description. The colour of their skin, gender, appearance, etc. should not matter to this choice – regardless if the previous 1000 people you employ are ‘white’. The fact that (currently) there are more ‘white’ people in the UK means you would expect more white people to be getting the jobs.
The problem in the world is that this is not always happening. ‘Black’ people (generally) are not being treated fairly or given a fair chance to be in the position of being picked for that job based fairly on merit. This is what the ‘Black lives matter’ movement is asking for. They are not saying ONLY black lives matter. They are asking for black lives to be given a fair chance (well, that is what I would hope they are asking for). So to the people saying: “it should be ALL lives matter” – yes they do, but that is not what this is about; it is about the fact that in the world as it is today ‘black’ people aren’t getting the same treatment/fair amount of opportunities as others due to their skin colour.
I think Hamilton will have a hard time* fairly** increasing the diversity within F1 and motorsport as it stands as most of F1 is based in the UK which has a majority ‘white’ demographic so easier to employ from the majoritively ‘white’ local population. For F1 to become more diverse perhaps teams should have a variety of global locations other than just the UK (and Italy)?
*Not to say it isn’t good to or worth trying, because it is!
**as in not promoting a ‘black’ person over a better qualified ‘white’ person just because there are ‘too many’ ‘white’ people already as this is discriminatory and racist in its own right.
milan (@sermilan)
23rd June 2020, 0:03
I agree with your post. When I said “we’re all equal” I meant racewise only.
I have the feeling that disregarding the race difference, which is only color of the skin and nothing else, would help more than, again, separating a certain group by a label that shouldn’t really exist. I really think he’s doing more harm than help.
The situation in USA escalated way out of any sense and the last thing it needs is putting more fuel into the fire.
Lewis made his way through all racing classes to F1 legends solely by his talent and his work. He was noticed and supported from early days and I’m sure no one looked at him as a “black kid”, but rather as a “huge potential”, giving no ratt’s ass to even if he was purple.
His father Anthony though, is a much smarter man, often telling him to “do his talking on the track” and he should’ve had listened more. Stepping out to blame the F1 community for not reacting enough on what was going on in USA is so wrong. F1 community in 2020 is everything but racist, proven on his on example. He enjoys all the fruits of his exceptional career and shouldn’t really be spitting at F1 people.
Madman (@madman)
23rd June 2020, 11:22
@sermilan, my apologise for misinterpreting your comment! I see your point and think I agree in so much as in a perfect world we wouldn’t have ‘xxxx’ lives matter in any sense as everyone (adhering to the socially agreed etiquette of the culture (laws)) was just accepted. However, we are in a place where we need to raise awareness as it is an issue until it becomes a non-issue. The problem is – as you say (if I have interpreted you correctly) – as long as people make an issue of it (i.e. raise awareness for it) it is not going to be a non-issue, so it is a lose-lose situation.
As for Hamilton calling people out, I think what he did was give people and companies the freedom/encouragement to speak out which is good. However, I agree, there may have been a better way to do it – not that I know what that is… Maybe he should have highlighted that it was O.K. to voice your opinion/concerns if you want/feel comfortable doing that (and not saying anything doesn’t mean you don’t support/agree with the cause), not what could be considered bullying them into it.
Also agreed, he does show that you can be a minority and still get into F1, but he still got racially abused while doing it, which needs to be eradicated. And like I said, while F1’s ‘home’ is in a predominantly ‘white’ country he will have a hard time fairly changing the ratio. What you have to consider is that he has a huge platform from which he can help good change and I respect that he is trying to do that. Is he doing it the right way? Possibly not. Should he be using F1 in a political way? I’d argue – like you – probably not, but I like and respect that he is trying to do his best to do what he thinks is right.
Fantomius (@liko41)
22nd June 2020, 15:58
@sermilan
Probably by accident, you had the point on positive discrimination.
Other than that, your comment is pure h@te.
Sorry for you mate, you must have gone through a very, very harsh lustrum.
GnosticBrian (@gnosticbrian)
20th June 2020, 22:05
It may surpise Mr Hamilton but “…on average boys consistently underperform against girls, and white boys from disadvantaged backgrounds underperform against boys of all other races and ethnicities. I will reel off some statistics: by age five, white boys from disadvantaged backgrounds are already 13% behind disadvantaged black boys and 23% behind disadvantaged Asian girls in their phonics, for example; only around a third of white working-class boys pass their maths and English GCSEs; disadvantaged white working-class boys are 40% less likely to go into higher education than disadvantaged black boys; and in fact, according to UCAS, only 9% of these boys will go to university, compared with around half of the general population. I could go on forever if I had more time, but as it stands these white working-class boys are being let down by an in-built and inherent disadvantage” – source, Hansard column 312WH, 12 February 2020. volume 671.
@HoHum (@hohum)
20th June 2020, 23:02
And pray tell @gnosticbrian, what are you and the quoted politician doing for this historic, ingrained, disadvantaged class.
GnosticBrian (@gnosticbrian)
21st June 2020, 0:37
Drawing attention to the facts; it may cause bystanders to ho hum and carp but that doesn’t upset me.
@HoHum (@hohum)
21st June 2020, 4:06
Fair ‘nough.
William Jones
20th June 2020, 23:32
No one person can help everyone, it’s just a fact of life that charities and initiatives that exist to help kids into education simply can’t accept every applicant. They all have a procedure to go through to limit who can benefit from them.
It’s also only natural for someone to want to help people face difficulties they themselves have faced. You see, I imagine Lewis knows exactly what problems black kids face, and has a pretty good idea what the answer to those problems are. I doubt very much he knows what sort of problems white kids face, so would not be the ideal candidate to try to find solutions. Maybe you should be – if you’re not prepared to put your own money where your mouth is – criticising all the white celebrities from impoverished backgrounds who are not launching initiatives to help kids from under privileged backgrounds.
What you’re essentially doing is telling someone who thinks they have the answer to one problem, to try to answer all problems instead, and that kind of design by committee is rightly mocked for being stupid, and politically correct for the sake of political correctness.
GnosticBrian (@gnosticbrian)
21st June 2020, 0:39
“No one person can help everyone, it’s just a fact of life…” – true, in which event, ought not help to be directed first to where is is most needed?
William Jones
21st June 2020, 1:26
That only works if every person who exists has the ability and capability to address the literal worst problem on Earth. If we can all agree what it actually is.
How about instead we each agree to address the worst problem that we each have the ability to address, and we leave deciding what the worst problem is, among the problems that we are able to tackle, to the individual tackling them?
GnosticBrian (@gnosticbrian)
21st June 2020, 2:50
Not so. We are not discussing ‘the literal worst problem on Earth’ – we are discussing those whom the education system fails most. And, in the UK, that is working class white boys. And it is not a small number of children that are affected. Are you saying that white children and black children have different educational needs to fit them for success in 21st century Britain? If so please adduce the evidence. If children of different backgrounds have the same or similar needs [a good grounding in STEM for example], then your argument collapses.
William Jones
21st June 2020, 3:03
I’m saying that black kids and white kids face different challenges in an education environment, yes.
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William Jones
21st June 2020, 3:25
Your turn now, can you find even one peer reviewed study that has not been debunked that concludes that children from different backgrounds do not face different challenges depending on their background? That Prince William faced the same challenges that a Somalian refugee faces in the UK education system.
I’ll wait.
GnosticBrian (@gnosticbrian)
21st June 2020, 13:16
William Jones – I stopped reading after the ad hominem attack; resorting to such shows that you are bereft of cogent argument but replete in bullying.
I remain of the view that young people require the education system to give them a similar skill set to succeed in 21st century UK. Sowing division at an early age reaps a terrible harvest in later life. We need to bring children together not drive them apart! And a plethora of papers from ‘research’ conducted in the last century does nothing to change my view.
William Jones
21st June 2020, 13:35
Nothing to do with the overwhelming evidence that you are wrong then? Sure thing, we all believe that your feelings were just _that_ hurt at being called a lazy git, that you just melted and can’t possibly respond.
William Jones
21st June 2020, 14:07
And don’t think I didn’t notice the straw man you constructed. No-one is arguing that different children should be given different tool sets, (though they should, I don’t see much point in a future doctor learning the skill sets that a future astronomer needs).
What’s being argued is that in giving children whatever skills they are going to be given in education, different children face different difficulties in acquiring those skills. Someone who understands the difficulties black kids face may not understand the difficulties poor white kids face. If you disagree, come armed with sources, as up to date as you like.
GnosticBrian (@gnosticbrian)
21st June 2020, 15:43
William Jones – Yes I have a source for Hamiliton’s documented Vat avoidence: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41886607
I also have a source for Hamilton’s tax ‘exile’: https://www.ft.com/content/8a3ebde2-c64b-11e7-b30e-a7c1c7c13aab
What did you say about ‘do your own research’? “Do as William Jones says, not as William Jones does”.
Not a straw man. A genuine issue and you know it.
There is NO overwhelming evidence that I am wrong. The article is about STEM subjects. I can only speak from my own experience.
I obtained first class degrees in Mathematics and Physics and a PhD in Theoretical Physics more than 50 years ago from a top Russell Group University. We were a very disparate group of students – from all walks of life and many different countries. We all attended the same lectures / seminars / tutorials and were given the same study material; we sat the same exams.
The Laws of Physics and the rules of Mathematics are ‘colour blind’ – they are the same for black and white kids on Earth and for aliens in far away galaxies [and they also take no account of sex]. Canonically conjugate variables have a non-zero commutator irrespective of the identity and location of the observer.
Kindly tell me why, for example, the two times table presents unusual difficulties for black children. I think it better that we educate our children together; that we foster a common learning and not go down your educational apartheid route. If you disagree – that is no skin off my nose.
Do you deny, as a question of fact, that young white working class boys are the most educationally disadvantaged in the UK?
William Jones