Lewis Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes will not be easily forgotten. The British driver is set to depart for Italy in 2025 to join Ferrari. However, the impact Hamilton had on diversity within Mercedes will not be lost with his departure. “The car will remain black,” reveals team boss Toto Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton drove his last race as a Mercedes driver in Abu Dhabi. After more than a decade of loyal service to the German racing team, the Brit is moving to Ferrari. However, Hamilton will not be quickly forgotten by Mercedes, as Toto Wolff reveals, and the impact of the work of the seven-time world champion will continue to resonate.
“He is a global phenomenon and he certainly played a role in positioning the Mercedes brand, making it a bit more contemporary and extravagant,” Wolff tells British Channel 4. Hamilton had a tremendous impact on diversity at Mercedes. “Today, a large part of our staff comes from underrepresented groups, and that’s going to make us strong. Because of the different cultures, different perceptions, and perspectives.”
Diversity
Hamilton also repeatedly called for more diversity on the Formula 1 grid itself, and Mercedes was happy to support the Brit in his actions. “He made us kneel when it was necessary, and he helped us to make the car black, and it will remain black. We’re not stopping with that,” says Wolff. Mercedes introduced the black livery in 2020, as a show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
