Extreme E has launched a new initiative to promote the next generation of mechanical and engineering talent in motorsport named “Racing for All”.
The off-road electric racing series has worked with seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton to develop an action-based programme that will have a tangible effect on addressing diversity barriers in the motorsport workforce.
Although Extreme E teams are limited to just five mechanics or engineers each to help reduce overall attendance numbers across the Championship, the Racing for All initiative will provide an additional position for a sixth member to join each team to gain hands-on experience. This position will be open to those with less than one year’s professional motorsport experience, to enable them to learn exactly what it takes to be part of a professional race team, providing a first step on the career ladder in a very competitive industry.
“Our goal is for Racing for All to instil an inclusive mindset and a wider recruitment pipeline which enables the next generation of race mechanics and engineers to reach the highest levels of motorsport, regardless of factors such as race, gender or social economic status, and reduce the barriers which exist for certain communities,” said Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E.
Extreme E is working with consultants from EqualEngineers in their goal to educate its teams on inclusive recruitment processes that ensure all applicants are welcome and considered. The teams will ultimately select and manage their own candidates and integrate them into their team set ups.
“I’m so excited to see this program adopted across the paddock, and I can’t wait to see what the first group of Racing for All candidates goes on to achieve,” said Hamilton.
The Racing for All team member opportunity is open now, with the majority of the paddock indicating that they are actively starting their hiring processes ahead of Season 3.