F1 setting up task force, foundation to up diversity, inclusion

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LONDON: Formula 1, which earlier this week launched the #WeRaceAsOne initiative, Thursday followed up the announcement with more details on the news that a new task force is being set up with the mandate to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport.

The #WeRaceAsOne initiative is aimed at tackling the biggest issues facing the sport and global communities – the fight against COVID-19 and the condemnation of racism and inequality.

To help with this aim a foundation, with initial funding of $1 million, is also being created to help finance internships and apprenticeships within F1 for under-represented groups.

Details in full
Establishing a Task Force to listen and identify the right initiatives required to increase diversity and inclusion across F1. The Task Force will be established over the next few months and will include input from the drivers and teams, as well as external diversity and inclusion experts.

The Task Force will be specifically focused at identifying the employment and education opportunities for under-represented groups across F1, including STEM careers, and the required actions to address these findings.

Alongside the Task Force, initial action to be taken to create a foundation to finance primarily, but not exclusively, internships and apprenticeships within F1 for under-represented groups to ensure they have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and have access to a promising career in the sport.

Initial start-up funding for this foundation will be $1 million and will be provided in full by a personal contribution from F1 chairman and CEO Chase Carey. We hope that the funding will grow over time to support more interns and scholarship opportunities in the future.

Carey said: “We fully recognise that Formula 1 needs to be more inclusive and diverse. While we set out our strategy last year to improve the position of our sport, we need, and want, to do more.

"That is why we will establish a Task Force to listen and ensure the right initiatives are identified to increase diversity in Formula 1. We want to ensure we give people from all backgrounds the best chances to work in Formula 1 regardless of their gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical abilities.

"We are therefore also taking the initial step of creating a foundation to support key educational and employment opportunities across Formula 1 that will give under-represented talent the chance to work in this incredible sport and build an exciting career.”