Fast Cars, Slow Progress: The Gender and Diversity Crisis in F1

 

Formula 1’s Diversity Problem

Formula 1 promotes itself as a global, inclusive sport, yet its grid and leadership remain overwhelmingly white and male. While Lewis Hamilton has become a vocal advocate for diversity, the sport itself has been slow to embrace structural change. From the lack of female drivers to the continued dominance of elite, wealthy backgrounds in the driver pipeline, F1 struggles with inclusivity at multiple levels. Despite initiatives aimed at increasing representation, progress has been minimal, raising the question of whether F1 is genuinely committed to diversity or whether these efforts are simply public relations exercises.

A Structural Issue

The problem of representation in Formula 1 is deeply ingrained, stemming from systemic barriers that make it nearly impossible for those from marginalised backgrounds to break into the sport. In its entire history, Formula 1 has only ever had one Black driver, Lewis Hamilton. Meanwhile, drivers of other racial backgrounds are rarely seen on the grid, a stark contrast to other global sports that have made significant strides in diversity.  Nelson Piquet, a three-time world champion, faced backlash in 2022 for using a racial slur to describe Lewis Hamilton, yet is still seen on the grid and in the paddock. The sport has also struggled with homophobia, with former FIA president Max Mosley known for controversial comments and a history of scandal. Motorsport requires immense financial backing to enter, disproportionately shutting out drivers from working-class and racially diverse backgrounds. This means that even talented individuals who lack wealthy sponsors or family connections have little chance of progressing through the junior categories.

It is not just the driver lineup that lacks diversity. The majority of team principals, engineers and FIA officials are white men, reinforcing an exclusionary culture at the highest levels of the sport.  The Hamilton Commission's 2021 report revealed that only 1% of motorsport engineering roles in the UK are held by individuals from Black backgrounds, highlighting a significant underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in technical positions. The report also documented instances of "outright racism" and discriminatory behaviour within UK motorsport teams, often dismissed as "banter." In response to these findings, Formula 1, in collaboration with all ten teams and the FIA, introduced a formal Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter in 2024. This charter aims to break down stereotypes associated with careers in motorsport and encourage participation from all backgrounds. Without structural reforms within these organisations, the sport will continue to struggle with diversity at every level.

Why Are There No Women in F1? 

Despite decades of discussion about gender equality in motorsport, there has not been a female driver in an F1 race since 1976. While the sport often claims to be making progress, real opportunities for female drivers remain almost nonexistent. One of the most visible examples was the use of 'grid girls,' women employed to stand alongside drivers before races, reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes. While the practice was officially banned in 2018, the backlash from some traditionalists exposed how deeply ingrained sexism is within the sport. Beyond gender, F1 has also had incidents of racism, homophobia, and a broader culture of discrimination. 

The FIA frequently promotes initiatives like ‘Girls on Track’ and the F1 Academy, but these programs have yet to create a clear pathway for women into Formula 1. While these efforts raise awareness, they do not provide the same financial or developmental support that male drivers receive in junior categories. Motorsport remains a deeply male-dominated industry, and female drivers face additional challenges, from struggling to secure sponsorships to dealing with outdated attitudes about women’s physical abilities in racing. Feminist scholars such as Judith Butler (1990) argue that gender roles are socially constructed, which is evident in how women in motorsport continue to be seen as outsiders in a male-defined space.

Sexism within F1 was further exposed by the Nikita Mazepin groping scandal in 2020, when a video surfaced of Mazepin inappropriately touching a woman in a car. Despite widespread condemnation, Haas, the team that had signed him, failed to take decisive action beyond issuing a vague statement. Mazepin remained on the grid until the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to his departure from the sport, raising questions about whether F1's governing bodies prioritise ethics or financial interests when dealing with misconduct. More recently, the Christian Horner controversy, where the Red Bull team principal was accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female employee, sparked further concerns about power dynamics and workplace culture in F1. Although Horner was ultimately cleared in an internal investigation, the secrecy surrounding the case and Red Bull’s reluctance to disclose details led many to question whether the sport takes workplace misconduct seriously. These incidents underscore that despite modern rebranding efforts, F1 still has deep-rooted issues when it comes to equality and representation. Launched in 2019 as an all-female racing championship aimed at increasing female representation in motorsport, the W Series initially seemed like a step forward. However, its failure to secure sustainable funding led to its abrupt cancellation in 2023, highlighting the lack of long-term investment in women’s racing.

Hamilton vs. the FIA: The Struggle for Change

As the only Black driver in F1 history, Lewis Hamilton has become the face of diversity advocacy in the sport, frequently calling for structural changes and actively supporting underrepresented communities. However, his activism has often put him at odds with the FIA and F1 leadership.

In 2023, the FIA introduced new rules restricting drivers from making political statements during race weekends. Many saw this as a direct response to Hamilton’s activism, particularly his support for the Black Lives Matter movement and his calls for greater inclusion in motorsport.  Beyond his on-track success, Hamilton has used his platform to fund grassroots motorsport programs, launch the Hamilton Commission to research racial diversity in motorsport, and advocate for changes in F1’s hiring practices.

While some teams and figures within F1 have supported Hamilton’s efforts, others have pushed back, arguing that politics should not be part of sport. This highlights the ongoing tension between those who want F1 to modernise and those who prefer to maintain the status quo.

The Future of Representation in F1

While F1 has taken some steps towards improving diversity, the pace of change remains slow, and significant barriers still exist. The newly launched F1 Academy, an all-female racing series, aims to develop female talent for future F1 seats. However, concerns remain over whether this initiative will genuinely lead to opportunities in Formula 1 or simply serve as another PR stunt.

Programs that lower financial barriers in karting and junior series could make a real difference, but there is currently no widespread effort to make motorsport more accessible for drivers from working-class and racially diverse backgrounds. True change will require more than just marketing campaigns. F1 needs to actively hire more diverse engineers, mechanics and team personnel, ensuring that inclusion is embedded at every level of the sport.

Is F1 Serious About Change?

Formula 1’s diversity and gender representation issues are not just an unfortunate byproduct of history. They are structural problems that require serious reform. Feminist and social theorists have long argued that elite institutions protect their exclusivity through economic, social and cultural barriers. While progress has been made through initiatives like the F1 Academy and Hamilton’s activism, real change remains slow and inconsistent.

Until F1 tackles the financial, institutional and cultural barriers that prevent diverse participation, it will continue to be seen as an elitist, male-dominated sport rather than a truly global and inclusive one. If the sport genuinely aspires to be representative of all its fans, it must commit to systemic reform rather than tokenistic gestures.