Mercedes launch new five-year diversity programme 'Accelerate 25'

Mercedes has launched a new programme 'Accelerate 25' in an effort team principal Toto Wolff hopes will ensure the manufacturer's "legacy off the track" is a success.

In early 2020 a significant focus was placed on diversity and equality, which in turn has now led to Mercedes adopting a strategy to ensure as a company it plays its part.

The German manufacturer has committed to "initially aim for at least 25% of all new starters at our team to come from under-represented groups until the end of 2025".

Wolff said: "Before the start of this Formula One season, we made a commitment to use our global platform in Formula One to make a difference to the world around us through a carefully considered diversity and inclusion programme.

"Our legacy off the track is just as important to this team as the success that we have achieved with our historic seventh consecutive world championship this year.

"We have a real opportunity to drive the change that we all want to see in our sport through strengthening an inclusive and diverse culture at our team and using our platform to take that thinking beyond just our factory.

"I am very proud of the work that has been done over the last few months to take an in-depth look at our practices, to assess our weaknesses and to develop a long-term plan and commitment to take the necessary actions and realise every advantage of becoming a more diverse team; this is the vision expressed by our new programme, Accelerate 25." Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton launched 'The Hamilton Commission' which works alongside The Royal Academy of Engineering to breakdown barriers preventing black and minority groups from progressing in the motorsport industry.

With regard to Mercedes' latest efforts, Hamilton said: "In what has been a really tough year for everyone, I am incredibly proud of my team as we reach the end of such an intense season.

"Not only have we made history on the track, but they have joined me in pushing for change off the track, by working to make our team and our sport more diverse.

"We have made some positive strides this year which I'm proud of, however we still have a long way to go and I know Accelerate 25 will give us the platform to deliver more meaningful change.

"I truly believe this will have a measurable and long-lasting impact on the face of sport for generations to come."

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