Motorsports is an ever-evolving industry that never stays still. Both on and off-track see adjustments constantly. Now, we’ve appreciated the past and deciphered the change of pride in motorsport. What can we do to ensure the future of the sport is even better than where we are today? There are three main ways in which change can happen:
1) Tell The Story
One of the most effective actions is to keep using your voice. The more people speak about it, the more visibility it gains. Debbie Wall believes that this is a key part of progressing inclusivity within the sport: “We have to keep telling the story about how everyone is welcome if they want to be here.”
Speaking from his own experiences, Matt Bishop shared how he tells people that he’s a gay man—even in casual conversations with taxi drivers. For him, it’s about standing up and being counted and not being frightened to say so.
Throughout history, voices have been instrumental in life. From oral stories of old passing through generations to powerful speeches creating lasting impact, our voice is one thing we always have. Don’t be frightened to use it; it can and will lead to change. A shining example of this was the Sky Sports Halo account. Sky Sports created a controversial female-focused account, but after many people spoke out and complained, the broadcaster deactivated it.
2) The Power of Allies
Allies are a great asset for progression. With the majority of people within the sport being heterosexual, their allyship is what’s needed. Formula 1 has had some incredible allies—such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. And whilst it may seem small, their help can have incredible reach.
Being gay is not legal in every country. But with allies, the message can spread far and wide. Famously, Vettel wore rainbow Converse to a race in Hungary, and through the Southwest Asian races, Hamilton wore a rainbow helmet. Those acts were crucial for visibility and discreetly supporting the LGBTQ+ community. When young people who may be questioning their sexuality or gender see these acts, it will show them that it’s okay to be who they are—even if it doesn’t feel like it. Matt Bishop believes those small acts would “give your heart a little lift”.
“Being a good ally means not judging.” Chris Stevens explained how it comes down to “really trying to make an effort.” Allies don’t have to be perfect—no human is—but having the intention to understand and help create a better space is the goal.
“As long as you are making the effort, that will be so hugely appreciated … Try to understand the other perspective and just make the effort.”
~ Chris Stevens on how to be an ally.
3) Grassroots Movements And Education
Education from the bottom up is also a crucial aspect. By educating younger people, they can grow up instilling those changes and also pass them on to future generations. Racing Pride has worked with karting tracks and young people—challenging the language typically used and changing viewpoints. This will help the future generation create a more welcoming society, which, in turn, will ultimately promote diversity and inclusion.
Matthew-Harriet Randall also explained that “people have almost been pushed out of it before they’ve even made the informed decision.” They told us of how they’ve been at career fairs and school talks and had young girls asking if engineering is for them. Randall believes that true change can be instilled throughout education by making everyone aware that motorsports is for them.
“We have to be pushing better inclusivity at schools … You need to make people aware that that is an option and something that if that’s what they thirst for, that’s what they do.”
~ Randall on how to instil diversity from a young age.
Pride in Motorsports: The Long Road
“Our work is not done, and the struggle must continue.”
~ Matt Bishop on the future of inclusion
Ultimately, there is no one solution for fostering inclusivity. And the road to a more diverse future is not short and straight—it’s a winding track that will take time. The above are three ways that can help, but it isn’t a definitive list.
Manon and Maia believe that leadership must do more and that systemic change is what’s needed. If the FIA implements stronger policies, diversity will be more driven. “You do have to have somebody pushing and forcing things … And it needs to be all of the teams.”
For this series, we interviewed six people in different areas of motorsports, and they all agreed on one thing: that true change will take time. It may take some time, but small steps will ultimately achieve change.
Whilst motorsports has leapt forward from where it used to be, it is far from a fully inclusive and welcoming space. Smaller series may be more diverse, but the top series that have the most screen time still lack in some areas. Hopefully, the entire sport continues to progress, but it’s not just down to teams and drivers—fans are instrumental in the changes too. We’ve dissected the changes and what can continue to improve, but now it’s down to everyone. Use your voice, be seen and be heard so that everyone is welcomed and embraced.
“None of this is ever fast … But you are starting to see the results.”
~ Debbie Wall
You can read more from our Pride in Motorsport series here.