Mercedes F1 Fires Team Members for Racial Discrimination
In the build-up to this weekend's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, Mercedes Formula 1 team have taken the decision to dismiss four team members for "breaches of the diversity and equality policy."
This action comes midst speculation that several team members had displayed discriminatory behaviour at the factory in Northamptonshire.
This news comes as somewhat of a surprise, given that Mercedes’ five-time world champion driver, Lewis Hamilton, is the first black racer on the F1 grid, and has constantly championed the need for greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport. Hamilton is viewed by many as a BAME icon in an arena which has long been dominated by privilege and power.
Hephzi Pemberton, Founder of Equality Group, a consultancy service pushing for greater inclusion in business by helping companies attract, retain and develop diverse talent, said: “The news that racially and religiously discriminatory behaviour has been encountered by workers at Mercedes F1 is disappointing, but unsurprising. It is clear that corporate culture across the UK is still resistant to change and increased diversity, and an alternative arena such as motorsport is no different. Businesses therefore need to assess their current policies and produce affirmative action and enforcement measures, in order to improve diversity and inclusion in their corporate structure.”
