Lewis Hamilton has hailed the impact Susie Wolff is making with the F1 Academy as the sport aims to increase inclusivity. The seven-time World Champion has been a leading advocate for diversity and inclusivity throughout the paddock and wider society in recent years, with his Mission 44 initiative joined by Mercedes' own Ignite and Accelerate 25 schemes. F1 is aiming to tackle a lack of female talent on the career ladder towards the highest tier by launching the F1 Academy, which sees 15 drivers take to the track in cars provided by teams already involved in F3 and F2. Former Williams development driver and Venturi Formula E CEO and Team Principal Wolff has taken on the Managing Director role of the series - which made its debut this year - and has revealed the news that all 10 F1 teams will 'nominate' a driver from next year. Hamilton was a firm backer of the now-defunct W Series that preceded the F1 Academy, visiting the paddock on occasion to show his support for the process.
Fighting for inclusivity
Addressing the news that F1's incumbent teams would have greater presence, Hamilton told media including RacingNews365 : "Really happy to hear of the progress being made. "I think it's been great having Susie in there, who was a phenomenal driver, so has the perspective from a driver side, but also she's been a team owner. "She's really fighting for that inclusivity. "So I think it's really great the steps that were taken and really happy to hear that all of Formula 1 is on board."
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