I felt like 'lone ranger', explains Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton believes diversity in Formula 1 is not about finding the next black driver but ensuring the sport is inclusive behind the scenes. 

Hamilton has admitted he felt like a "lone ranger" coming up in the sport but feels excellent strides have been made.

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The seven-time champion said change only started within Formula 1 in the last couple of years, describing previous attempts as a "difficult, narrow and very lonely path to walk", and since 2021 the people running the sport are more empathetic and "more open-minded".

Speaking to Sky Sports' Mike Wedderburn as part of the Black In Sport Summit, Hamilton said:

"When we (Hamilton and his father) got to F1, we thought we had broken the mould and thought that would change things.

"But that wasn't enough and that is why I started the Hamilton Commission because I knew no one else cared to do the work.

"It's not about just having access for young minorities getting access in engineering, but across the board. The higher up you go, the less diverse it is, not only in our industry but through many industries.

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"The goal is to shift that, and that is part of my mission. For a long time, I was winning races and thinking something was missing. I feel great that I am living my purpose and starting to see that change."

"I feel that I am a representative for all those who feel they don't have a voice. There are many people who feel they don't have a voice and look at the sport and feel it isn't for them, "concluded Hamilton.