Mercedes-AMG has revealed a new black livery for its 2020 Formula 1 car, as a public sign of its commitment to increase diversity, and stand against racism.

The W11’s halo will feature the words ‘End Racism’, while the mirrors will showcase the ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ hashtag.

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said: “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, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change,” he added. “We want to build a legacy that goes beyond sport, and if we can be the leaders and can start building more diversity within our own business, it will send such a strong message and give others the confidence to begin a dialogue about how they can implement change.”

Mercedes admitted that just three per cent of its workforce identifies as belonging to minority ethnic groups, and 12 per cent of Merc’s employees are women. “This lack of diversity shows that we need to find new approaches to attract talent from many areas of society we do not currently reach,” the company’s statement said.

Merc F1 team boss Toto Wolff noted that “racism and discrimination have no place in our society, our sport or our team”, and that Mercedes wants to use its global voice “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,” he said. “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,” he added.

Valtteri Bottas added: “We know that our teams are stronger when they are more representative of the society we are part of, and it is important for us to be united and show our commitment to change.

“I am proud to stand with the team, with Lewis and with Mercedes-Benz in making this important statement.”

You’ll see Merc’s new livery at the first race of the reshuffled 2020 F1 season this weekend, as racing gets underway in Austria.

STORY Vijay Pattni