Mercedes as affirmed its desire to fight racial discrimination by unveiling an all-black livery for the 2020 Formula One season.
The team was known for the silver colours on its FI cars and launched another car earlier this year with the same theme.
However, Mercedes said its will to improve diversity within its team and the sport is what inspired the latest all-black livery.
The livery is expected to make its debut at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix later this week on July 5.
The world champions said the Black Lives Matter protests have “shone a searching light on how much we need new measures and actions in the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination.
Mercedes will run an all-black base livery for the 2020 season as part of its commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in #F1 https://t.co/ubuSQODYDI pic.twitter.com/wJLMt4XMfu
— Pitpass.com (@pitpassdotcom) June 29, 2020
“As a team, we have used the past weeks to listen to the perspectives of our team members, to learn and to reflect on our team as it is today and how we want it to be in the future.”
Mercedes further indicated that 12% of its workforce are women, while only 3% of its identify as belonging to an ethnic minority.
Lewis Hamilton, who is FI only black driver, expressed his delight at the move and said it promotes equality and inclusiveness.
“It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity.
“I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change,” Hamilton added.
