Mercedes switches to all-black livery in Formula E too

The Mercedes Formula E team will follow the Formula 1 team in racing with an all-black livery for the remainder of the 2019-20 season in support of the fight against racism.

A switch from the team’s traditional silver colour scheme will come into effect for the final six races of the season at the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin and echoes Mercedes’ stand against racism and discrimination.

It is a move which follows the Mercedes F1 team, which is running a revised all-black livery on its W11 car throughout the 2020 season.

The Silver Arrow 01 cars driven by Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries will now feature an all-black base layer with the ‘End Racism’ slogan incorporated onto the Halo.

“We have always spoken out clearly against racism and all forms of discrimination, as they do not have a place in our team, in our sport or in our society,” said Mercedes FE team principal Ian James.

"However, recent events around the world have shown that we all need to do more to use our platform to speak out against racism and discrimination. As part of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport family, we’re sending out a clear signal for change.”

Bettina Fetzer, vice president of marketing for Mercedes cars, added: "In Formula E too, we intend to use the voice we have on our global platform to make a stand against racism and discrimination and in support of greater diversity and tolerance in society.

"The decision to change the distinctive look of our electric Silver Arrows underlines our stance in favour of openness and respect in our dealings with each other.

"The black base livery of our racing cars is a reminder to all of us of the need for ongoing, long-term consolidation of our values and of mutual respect."

The Mercedes F1 team has also launched a new diversity and inclusion to address a lack of diversity within its workforce.

“Racing is an industry in which ethnic diversity and gender equality have traditionally not been very prevalent,” James added.

“So, there is still a long way to go to compensate for the imbalance in all areas of our workforce.

“However, from the very first days of our budding team, we have campaigned for equal opportunities for all and against discrimination in all forms.

“Together with our partners, we see it as a duty to promote and train young talents – regardless of ancestry or gender – in order to give them the opportunity to join Formula E in the years to come.”