In a seismic shift towards gender inclusivity in motorsports, the FIA has heeded the call of seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton. Beyond the racetrack, the Mercedes driver has become a force for social change within the sport. He has long been focusing his efforts on fighting casual sexism that has been part of the F1 rulebook. Lewis Hamilton’s “Mission 44,” an effort to replace the old-fashioned ‘he’ with the more inclusive ‘riders,’ gained momentum with a staggering $25 million pledge from the world champion.

“It is only men in that room, and it has been since I’ve been here,” Hamilton remarked, highlighting the gender imbalance within FIA decision-making rooms. Despite FIA assurances of internal reviews, Lewis Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of inclusivity bore fruit as the governing body implemented massive changes in the regulations governing Formula 2 and Formula 3.

Thanks to Lewis Hamilton, FIA will bring similar changes into Formula 1 soon enough

While F1, F2, and F3 have long been open to drivers of any sex and gender, the prior use of masculine language in the regulations faced criticism for contradicting the inclusive nature of these championships. The 2024 editions of the sporting regulations for F2 and F3 now showcase a more inclusive, non-gendered language. This also helps eliminate potential loopholes that might imply exclusivity to male competitors.

A good example of this transformation is evident in Article 24.15 of the F2 regulations, emphasizing the shift from “Unless he has used wet-weather tires“ to “Unless the driver has used wet-weather tires.” Although a parallel modification has yet to grace the updated F1 sporting regulations, insiders reveal that similar revisions are in the pipeline for a future update.

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Efforts to elevate female participation in the sport have also gained momentum with the introduction of the all-female F1 Academy junior series. In 2024, this series will exclusively race as a support category at Grands Prix, with each of the 10 F1 teams backing a driver in the competition. Hamilton’s vision for inclusivity is not just about language; it’s about creating tangible opportunities for everyone in the world of Formula 1.

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While Lewis Hamilton’s influence has heralded positive change, the seven-time champion fired shots at the FIA, expressing his discontent and accusing certain leaders of hindering progress in Formula 1.

Hamilton calls out the leadership in F1 for the ‘unacceptable’ treatment of Susie Wolff

Mercedes initiated a legal exchange with the FIA regarding an investigation into an alleged conflict of interest involving a member of FOM and an F1 team boss. The investigation, prompted by a BusinessF1 Magazine report, swiftly concluded, naming Toto Wolff as the person in question. And being his wife, Susie Wolff also came onto the radar. She put out a statement expressing her discontent with the unfolding situation.

Hamilton, known for his advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in F1, echoed Wolff’s sentiments, deeming the treatment she received as “unacceptable.” He criticized the governing body for questioning Wolff’s integrity without evidence and offering a mere apology afterward. His strong stance reflected the ongoing efforts in the sport to enhance diversity, but he pointed out that certain individuals in the FIA leadership seem determined to impede progress.

Speaking to media ahead of the FIA prize-giving gala in Baku, Hamilton asserted, “There is a constant fight to really improve diversity and inclusion within the industry. But it seems there are certain individuals in the leadership of the FIA that every time we try and make a step forward they are trying to pull us back, and that has to change.”

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While the FIA has taken a monumental step towards gender inclusivity with the recent language overhaul, there’s still work to be done in addressing systemic issues that hinder progress. How soon will the FIA introduce a similar gender-neutral overhaul into Formula 1? Share your insights and opinions in the comments below.