World of Motorsport (F1): Is a new age on the way?

One of Liberty Media's biggest wishes for F1 is that in the years to come, motor sports will become more inclusive and able to bring together competitors from around the world (regardless of gender or ethnicity). In the midst of all this social transformation that has happened over the decades (and fortunately it is still happening), this decision, besides being assertive is much more than fair... It is necessary in every single way.

According to Chase Carey (the head of the world's foremost motoring category), it's needed to "systematically eliminate entry barriers from the base in karting to the F1 grid". He is aware of how difficult and long this journey will be, but the main idea is that from now on, year after year, the world will see this sport as a family that embraces - no matter what they are - all of its diversity.

Just one black driver - over a long period of 70 years - is part of the F1 grid nowadays: Lewis Hamilton. Undoubtedly, the six-time world champion is one of the largest and most important drivers, and this extremely small representation among blacks as F1 personalities arouses people's curiosity and because it is something that carries with it the idea of ​​injustice, isolation and segregation... It brings up a very categorical debate for society.

Would that be lack of talent or lack of opportunity? - The questions remain.

As for African-born drivers, the last one on the F1 grid was Jody Scheckter, who raced until 1980. Also, to date, only two women have ever played in an F1 race: María Teresa de Filippis (between 1958 and 1959), and Lella Lombardi (between 1974 and 1976, being the only woman in history to score). Other women have tried, but failed to qualify for future competitions.

One need not argue about much to understand - and agree - how necessary is this expansion in the urgency of inclusion (especially because it is extremely obvious and can no longer be ignored under any pretext). F1's big bet for the next few years is to eliminate all obstacles (or at least some of them) in relation to the obstacles that hinder the growth of the number of new competitors. However, it is not just about quantity... But about quality.

During an interview to Motorsport Week magazine, Carey said the plan is long-term and will also extend to the base categories that make up the F1 calendar (such as F2 and F3). The eSports championship was also mentioned by him, which also highlights: the inclusion project will be something much broader because it will also include other F1 channel professionals (such as broadcast broadcasters and sports content creators who feed the digital platforms).

"We are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive sport, deconstructing the stereotypes associated with a career in motorsport and encouraging people from all backgrounds to be a part". - Carey explained. He makes it very clear that meritocracy in its entirety has to be recognized regardless of gender or ethnicity, representing a genuine act without "political disguise" for this change to be credited as a truly valid and inspiring initiative.

The aim is not just to democratize F1 access, but to inspire the entire auto chain and provide a fairer and more equal entry field for all future riders since their first challenges (which often take place in Karting, where many of them discover their vocation and talent for this sport) until they reach a possible most desired and dreamed podium of the most coveted grid in the world.