With the resurgence of the representation movement, F1 has been pushing for more inclusivity in the sport. Although most drivers welcomed the move, it was the engine of Lewis Hamilton that roared the loudest. The Mercedes driver is the first and only black driver on the grid, and the most successful one.

Many share Hamilton’s cultural heritage. To give voice to the under-represented demographic, black history month aims to provide an opportunity to celebrate the heritage and contributions of black people. Here, at Mercedes’ Outpost, to commemorate the month of pioneers of the movement, the eight-time constructors’ champions invited Donna Fraser, whose hardiness is a wave of fresh air for the struggling team.

Donna Fraser is the moment for inclusivity and black history

The four-time Olympian and the 1991 European Junior Champion Fraser’s commitment goes beyond her sport. A now-retired Donna is a pioneer of equality and diversity in the sports industry. She has time and time again championed equal rights for people of color in the sports industry and beyond. To her, black history month is a reminder of all that her ancestors had to go through. From struggling with racism to uprooting it systematically, she is grateful for it all.

Although a decorated sportsperson, she had to retire in 2009 because of a Breast Cancer diagnosis. However, her perseverance did not waiver as the proud pink ribbon bearer was she was awarded an OBE for services to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Being a woman of her caliber, she found herself in the Mercedes office. She opened up about her struggles as a Black female athlete. She also talked about her rich heritage. The powerhouse of a woman, she gave the team much-needed motivation for the upcoming races.

The Brackley-based constructors that were once unbeatable have found themselves in muddy waters lately. With a streak of decent performance, their last win came from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix which was well over a year ago. However, losing faith in the team is never an option. The people at Mercedes were reminded to be resilient despite the circumstances.

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Mercedes’ driver Lewis Hamilton has wowed the crowds many times. Inspired by his struggles as a child, he has taken the Fraser route in F1.

A lonely journey for Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton has been vocal about his struggles with racism in sports and in his everyday life. He has confessed several times about his experience with other kids mocking him. “I’ve been racing 29 years; I’m 37 now. I’ve been a professional for 16 years, but most often, I’m the only person of color in the room,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports F1.

Inspired by the diversity problem in F1, Lewis Hamilton established the ‘Hamilton Commission’. “And when I asked the question, there was no real great feedback answer to that question, so I put together the Hamilton Commission because it starts with education and understanding,” Hamilton told the interviewer.

The Commission has helped bring light to the fact that out of 40,000 jobs in the industry, only 1% are taken by Black people. Additionally, the organization works to identify and dismantle the barriers minorities have to experience and educate the vast demographic.

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A month to commemorate the struggles of the people, navigating through racism will never be enough. However, boiling down centuries of history into 30 days is a good way to remember the past. The words of Donna Fraser have instilled a new sense of determination in the British team. Hopefully, as fans, we see a reflection of that on track.