The Hamilton Commission, work with The Royal Academy of Engineering, to address the underrepresentation of Black people in UK motorsport, as well as the STEM sector.
This research project identifies the key barriers to recruitment and progression of Black people in UK motorsport. In July 2021, the Hamilton Commission report proposed ten recommendations, including F1 teams implementing a D&I charter, and piloting approaches to increase the number of Black teachers in STEM subjects.
The Commission, which conducted its research over a period of ten months, specifically focused on engineering positions within the industry, as they represent a major group of occupations and offer the biggest opportunity for change.
In August 2023, Mission 44 published an update on the Hamilton Commission's landmark report. You can read the full update from Mission 44 here.
Research
The Hamilton Commission has undertaken a range of activities to help inform the research findings. These activities have included an initial data analysis, stakeholder mapping, a literature review in sport, education and employment, as well as in-depth surveying and analysis with youth focus groups and key stakeholders. At the end of the research project, the Hamilton Commission delivered recommendations and actions addressing the challenges around STEM and the motorsport industry specific to the UK.
Board of Commissioners
The Hamilton Commission was co-chaired by Lewis Hamilton MBE HonFREng and Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE. The Board of Commissioners was an independent group made up of 14 experts and industry leaders from the UK, who brought a range of expertise, knowledge, and experience from their respective fields to the challenge. The Commissioners were selected to represent a wide range of expertise spanning critical areas of influence including representatives from motorsport, engineering, schools, colleges and universities, community and youth groups working with young Black people, and representation from UK major political parties.