Modern-day Formula 1 is a diverse sport with all casts, creeds, genders, and people of color working together. However, that was not always the case. This change has come about slowly and systematically, partly thanks to Lewis Hamilton and his efforts to increase diversity. Hamilton was the only driver of color on the grid back in 2007 and sadly 16 years later he’s still the only one. This scenario has drastically changed behind the scenes in the garages and the factories. Don’t take our word for it, listen to Calum Nicholas, one of Red Bull‘s most famous track-side engineers.

While speaking on the latest episode of the Track Limits podcast, Nicholas revealed how Netflix’s Drive to Survive has made him a known face on the internet. Because of this scenario, Nicholas ended up inspiring people just like how Hamilton would’ve wanted.

Nicholas first talked about his inclinations toward the $190 billion worth company’s F1 show. He said, “I mean, the numbers in terms of viewing numbers for the sport are undeniable. I think that it’s a great product in terms of selling the sport to the people. I quite enjoy watching it. I’m not sure everyone in the paddock will sit there and watch it. I quite enjoy it. When I’m at the track really realistically I’m only focused on what I’m doing. So to actually see the season from an outsider’s perspective is actually quite nice. It’s almost refreshing in terms of seeing myself on the telly, it’s weird!”

The RBR engineer then revealed the impact on people and said, “It was weird like the first time. When it started to happen more and more I started to get loads of messages from people that look like me saying ‘Just seeing you doing the job you’re doing has inspired me. I really like racing, I’m going to look at a career or whether it just be engineering..’ it’s such a big sector. So as a positive came out of it being able to in some way just sort of be a little bit of representation for people who might not have considered a career in the sport before, I think it’s great.”

Hamilton will be extremely proud of this incredible scenario because this is the Brit’s long-term goal. In fact, Nicholas credits Hamilton for this increased diversity in the sport.

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Red Bull’s insider thanks Lewis Hamilton for being the trailblazer for increased diversity in F1

The track-side engineer is one of many persons of color working with the circus now. They might not be the face of the sport but there is definitely an increase in diversity in F1 and it’s all thanks to Hamilton. The Mercedes man not only started the conversation but kept furthering the agenda with his personal efforts. He even got his team on board with his initiative and now we are seeing the results of it. According to Nicholas most of the credit goes to Hamilton.

Nicholas said, “What I will say is, firstly, we have to thank Lewis for starting the conversation. One thing I will say is when I started in 2009, it’s a lot better now but the problem was still there then. But no one was having a conversation about it, there was no discussion to be had. So one of the things we have to thank Lewis for actually all of us need to thank Lewis for is just having the conversation started. He used his platform so effectively that there was actually a conversation to be had here.”

Thanks to Hamilton, the world of Formula 1 is more open-minded and inclusive. There is a feeling the Brit will continue these efforts once he retires and spread this initiative across all motorsport competitions.

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