Formula 1 has announced a new scholarship programme and internship placements as part of its ongoing pledge to increase diversity within the championship.
As part of the programme 10 students from underrepresented groups will receive engineering scholarships that provide the full cost of tuition and living stipend.
The scholars will begin in September 2021 as part of undergraduate courses in the UK and postgraduate courses in Italy, and all 10 teams have committed to providing work experience opportunities.
The 10 scholars will be place at the University of Cambridge (one), Coventry University (one), Manchester Metropolitan University (one), the Motorvehicle University of Emilia-Romagna (three), University of Oxford (two) and Strathclyde University (two).
In addition there will be six interns from underrepresented groups offered roles within Formula 1 in the short- and long-term, focusing on marketing and the media.
Two long-term apprentices from underrepresented groups will be placed within Formula 1 later this year and these will have a focus on mechanical engineering.
Part of the financing for the scholarship scheme has come from the personal $1m donation made by former Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey.
“Formula 1 is a global sport with fans across the world,” said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“We want to be as diverse as our fan base and that is why we are taking action to ensure talented people from underrepresented groups have the best opportunities to get into, and build, a fantastic career in this amazing sport.
“I am delighted to announce that scholars, apprentices and interns will get the chance to fulfil their dreams in Formula 1 and I know they have amazing futures ahead of them.
“I want to pay particular thanks to Chase [Carey], whose generous donation is funding the 10 scholarships.”
“Our #WeRaceAsOne platform is our commitment to make real change and shows our recognition that we know we must make a positive contribution to the world we live in.
“All of the teams are committed to this and the work of the Hamilton Commission shows the dedication to addressing these issues across Formula 1.
“Our focus is on Diversity & Inclusion, Sustainability and Community and we will continue to drive forward with our plans to be more diverse, more sustainable and leave a lasting positive impact on the countries and communities we visit.
“We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead.”
How much is Hamilton donating?