Now we have it. Mercedes fans from around the globe strapped themselves in to listen to Mr Wolff deliver the result of months of designing, wind tunnel testing, simulator runs and planning. New for the 2022/23 season we have yet another shiny feat of collaborative genius. Joined by newly paired Hamilton and Russell who as if proud parents, shared their delight in the chassis like no other. We as fans, some who may have felt despondent last season, can feel safe in the knowledge, once again, that Mercedes seeks to thrill.
Beyond the awe and glamour triggered by this new Silver Arrow, is a broader shift in direction and an arguably more impressive commitment to change.
Wolff’s ‘Accelerate 25’ launched in a turbulent 2020. Billed as a ‘five- year plan’ Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team collectively pledged to be more inclusive. The Mercedes team planned to raise the standards of entry with an ambition to exceed 25% of all new starters coming from under-represented groups until the end of 2025.
So not far off the half way mark, how are they getting on? Positively, is the word that springs to mind.
After twelve months Mercedes proudly announced that 38% of their newest team members are from under-represented groups. Specifically, Mercedes hailed an increase in female employees; rising from 12% to 14%. A rise in minority ethnic groups from 3% to 6%. In a sport that has long been elitist and to some ‘niche’, Toto Wolff recognises that while the statistics indicate a promising start the real growth us yet to be seen.
Through detailed internal scrutiny and with the guidance of our excellent partners, we have been able to take the first steps on our journey in enabling access to STEM education and careers and building a pipeline of talent who we hope may consider joining us in the future.
To see a small but significant increase in our numbers of team members from under-represented groups is a sign that we are making progress, however we remain acutely conscious that this is a long-term commitment and look forward to building on those initial steps.”
Toto Wolff
What is perhaps most encouraging and reflective of a gear shift into diverse, is the growing culture of awareness that appears to filter into the wider team.
At an Accelerate Inclusion focus group facilitated by EW (EW Group is the UK’s leading diversity consultancy), plans were laid to incorporate wider STEM partnerships, (most notably the Mulberry STEM Academy where 100 new starters joined this year and 48 are soon to graduate.) solidifying existing connections in schools. Many new starters found their way into the team via a host of new business support functions.
As its names suggests Mercedes is speeding towards new inclusion targets. Significant dates in team Wolff’s diary have included a session for International Women in Engineering with Suzie Wolff. Other events have recognised Pride, Black History Month and Menopause Awareness. Beyond that significant changes have been made to existing team employment terms with revisions to both Maternity and Pregnancy Loss policies.
A really encouraging effort from the Mercedes group with some solid statistics to boot. For me this much talked about vision will empower the team and accelerate growth better than any technical modification can.