F1: Mercedes Reveal All-Black Livery

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has unveiled an all-black livery it will race in the 2020 F1 season, to help promote the fight against racism.

Further ‘End Racism’ quotes will be on the halo, as well as the #WeRaceAsOne F1 rainbow logo. The livery keeps the Petronas turquoise highlights, the red elements of INEOS and the Mercedes star pattern on the engine cover, with one star remaining red in tribute to the late Niki Lauda.

Mercedes F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will also wear black overalls, and their helmet designs will be adjusted accordingly.

Mercedes is the team F1’s only black driver in history, Hamilton, races for. Hamilton has been very open about the lack of diversity in F1 and the world in recent weeks. He recently announced plans for a new commission to help improve diversity within motorsport and STEM industries.

"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," Hamilton said.

"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.

"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.

"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 confirmed it will also launch a diversity and inclusion programme to address the lack of diversity within their team. Just 3% of the Mercedes F1 workforce identify as belonging to a minority ethnic group.

"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," said team principal Toto Wolff.

"We wish to use our voice and our global platform to speak up for respect and equality, and 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."

Mercedes’ move follows F1’s new campaign ‘#WeRaceAsOne’ to promote diversity and inclusivity in the sport.