Lewis Hamilton gives a blunt response to Donald Trump’s executive orders to end DEI

Lewis Hamilton refused to end his goals of promoting inclusivity in Formula 1 following Donald Trump's order to end DEI programs in the US.

Lewis Hamilton gives a blunt response to Donald Trump’s executive orders to end DEI

Lewis Hamilton and Donald Trump (via Getty)

Formula 1 recently introduced a new Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter, signed by all teams and drivers, to promote inclusivity in the sport. The organization also credited Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s only Black driver, for his efforts in driving change. However, U.S. President Donald Trump, following his recent re-election, has terminated DEI programs within the federal government. Now, Hamilton has voiced a blunt opinion on the matter.

Lewis Hamilton had already laid out his plans to improve inclusivity at Ferrari way before Formula 1 drafted the D&I charter. Hamilton took offense to Donald Trump‘s recent change, attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The Briton reckoned that he had no control over official matters of the US and couldn’t change the regulations. However, the 40-year-old aims to ‘elevate’ people in and around his environment.

I’m not going to change what he does, or the government does. All I can do is try to make sure that in my space, in my environment, I’m trying to elevate people.

Lewis Hamilton told Time Magazine
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Hamilton accepted that there would be many ‘unfathomable’ forces against him in his journey of improving the overall condition of F1’s inclusivity. Regardless, the seven-time champion stands strong and doesn’t plan to falter. The 40-year-old asserted that he would continue to fight the fight despite the U.S. government rolling back DEI initiatives.

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There’s going to be forces along the way that don’t want that, for whatever reason I can’t fathom. That doesn’t stop me. It is a fight that we’ll just keep fighting.

Lewis Hamilton added

Fred Vasseur tiptoes fine line over Ferrari’s inclusivity

Ferrari’s crew in Formula 1 is predominantly Italian due to the team being based in Italy. Frenchman Fred Vasseur declared that his foremost priority was performance and not inclusivity. The 56-year-old accepted that this take was controversial and politically incorrect. Regardless, Vasseur expressed his keenness to improve Ferrari’s inclusivity over the coming years with Hamilton’s assistance.

Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Benedeto Vigna (via @lewishamilton/Instagram)
Fred Vasseur, Lewis Hamilton and Benedeto Vigna (via @lewishamilton/Instagram)

It’s not politically correct, but first is performance, I’m keen to go into the direction of diversity and so on. We are doing our best effort. We are trying to push in this direction, but I want to build up the best team.

Fred Vasseur told Time Magazine

Ferrari is set to undergo significant changes following Lewis Hamilton’s arrival this season. The Briton worked tirelessly to improve conditions at Mercedes and ultimately succeeded. As the Italian constructor prepares for a crucial year, only time will tell how the season unfolds.