FIA to conduct urgent investigation into document language after Lewis Hamilton’s complaints

Lewis Hamilton has complained about the use of non-gender-inclusive language in the FIA documents.

FIA to conduct urgent investigation into document language after Lewis Hamilton’s complaints

Lewis Hamilton has always been vocal about female inclusion in Formula 1. Recently, Hamilton complained about an FIA document, containing very gender specific terms. He complained about non inclusion of gender inclusive pronouns like “they/them.”  The FIA has, since then, issued statements about reviewing the language used in all of their framework guidelines and various other documents.  

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Some notable women have participated in Formula 1 decades ago. The last female racer on the F1 grid was Mercedes’s boss – Toto Wolff’s wife Susie Wolff. She drove for Williams in 2014 in the practice session ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, and since then, there has been no woman on the grid.

Lewis Hamilton is an avid advocate of female inclusion in the sport, and time and again has expressed his stance on the same. When asked in an interview about whether he is aware about use of gender binary language in F1 guidelines and regulation Lewis replied, “It does not surprise me, it is only men in that room and it has been since I’ve been here. There has not been enough importance [put on changing this], probably.”

Also read: Mika Hakkinen SLAMS the rookie firing trend in Formula One

FIA is focusing on encouraging more women to join motorsports

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In efforts to encourage female inclusion in the sport, FIA has introduced an all women driving academy under the guidance of Susie Wolff. The academy aims to increase female participation and give women with potential, a platform to showcase their talents.

While FIA’s efforts have been appreciated, they have also been thoroughly criticized.  One such critical view is of Ex-NASCAR driver – Danica Patrick’s, who wants the girls to be competing against the guys. She believes, true potential can only be seen when the competition is tough.

There have been rumors emerging of many female racers joining the racing field, and with efforts taken by Hamilton and others, we are bound to see some great results soon. Starting with using gender-neutral pronouns in the regulations and guidelines, we can clearly see F1 approaching a more equality-induced path.

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