Motor Sport

Mercedes Release New Black Livery for 2020 F1 Season

Published

4 weeks ago

1st April 2024

Mercedes have released a new black livery for the upcoming 2020 F1 season to show their support and commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in the sport.

Mercedes famous nickname ‘Silver Arrows’ arose as silver was the original colour scheme of the manufacturer in racing since the 1930s. However, the company announced in a statement that the Black Lives Matter movement had shone a light on how their need to ‘improve measures’ and ‘actions to fight against racism.’

The Formula One team also acknowledged the lack of diversity in their team from ethnic groups to women employees. In their organisation, only 3% identify as belonging to an ethnic group and 12% of their employees are women, as revealed in their statement.

Not only have Mercedes chosen to race in a black livery as a public pledge to improve the diversity of the team. The car will also have the call to ‘End Racism’ featured on the halo of both cars. The F1 initiative #WeRaceAsOne will feature on the mirrors.

Toto Wolff, team principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, said: “Racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team: this is a core belief at Mercedes.”

“But having the right beliefs and the right mindset isn’t enough if we remain silent. We wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality. The Silver Arrow will race in black for the entire 2020 season to show our commitment to greater diversity within our team and our sport.”

“We will not shy away from our weaknesses in this area, nor from the progress we must still make. Our livery is our public pledge to take positive action. We intend to find and attract the very best talents from the broadest possible range of backgrounds, and to create credible pathways for them to reach our sport, in order to build a stronger and more diverse team in the future.

“I would also like to use this opportunity to thank our parent company Mercedes-Benz and our family of team partners who have supported and encouraged this initiative.”

? Why have you changed your livery to black?

? Will the Mercedes be black all season?

? What are Mercedes and @F1 doing to make a real difference?

We've answered your questions about our new livery right here ? https://t.co/Uu7Dumxhbw

— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) July 1, 2020

Hamilton Backs Up The Talk With Genuine Support

Lewis Hamilton also showed his support towards the Mercedes initiative after recently announcing his commission. He will work in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering to promote black participation within motorsport.

In the statement, the six-time world champion added: “It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity.”

“I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism. I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.”

“When I spoke to Toto about my hopes for what we could achieve as a team, I said it was so important that we stand united. I would like to say a huge thank you to Toto and the Mercedes Board for taking the time to listen, to talk, and to really understand my experiences and passion, and for making this important statement that we are willing to change and improve as a business.”

“We want to build a legacy that goes beyond sport. If we can be the leaders and can start building more diversity within our own business, it will send such a strong message. It gives others the confidence to begin a dialogue about how they can implement change.”

Mercedes and F1 fans will see the new black livery in action this weekend after the sport returns over three months from the original starting date. Austria will host the first race of the 2020 F1 season with first practice due to start on Friday, July 3rd.