SOCHI – Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton believes a switch from Mercedes' current black livery back to its old Silver Arrows guise would "not make a difference" to the collective push for diversity.
The Mercedes team made a bold step to change the iconic silver look to support Hamilton in his quest to promote diversity and inclusion in F1 and the automotive industry.
The 36-year-old Briton also set up the Hamilton Commission, which has since given recommendations to F1 and the FIA on steps that could be taken.
The driver-team partnership has also launched initiatives such as Ignite and Mission 25, both with the overall aim of breaking down barriers and allowing greater representation of minorities in F1.
Mercedes carried over the black livery into a second season this year, although it is now being suggested the silver will return in 2022.
"I don't have a particular feeling towards it, I am not involved in that particularly now, for next year," Hamilton told GPfans.com.
"It is originally the Silver Arrows and I did expect when I asked if we could make the car black last year in terms of the symbolism, what the intent would be moving forward in terms of support.
"I wasn't expecting it to last long and we carried it into a second season which is awesome.
"If it goes back, it will be a nice change and it doesn't deter us from the changes we are making internally and we continue to push for diversity, even working with all our partners.
"Just the other day with UBS, they had these young kids, trying to inspire the next generation of young engineers of all different backgrounds.
"We have got a good programme going so it doesn't make a difference,” he said after his 100th Grand Prix win in Russia on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Hamilton described becoming the first driver to win 100 Formula One races as "magical" while his Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff hailed the landmark as "mind-blowing".
Hamilton reached his century by winning the rain-lashed race in Sochi.
The seven-time world champion Hamilton also moved back to the top of the drivers' standings by two points from Max Verstappen, who finished second in a Red Bull.
"It's a magical moment," said Hamilton.
"I could only ever have dreamed of still being here and having this opportunity to win these races and get to drive against such phenomenal talent this late in my career.
"To continue to build with Mercedes, of which I'm so proud of everything we've done, not only on track but also off and yeah, this is just a special moment for everyone that has been a part of it. I've had the most incredible team."
Hamilton won his first F1 race in Canada in 2007 as a 22-year-old and behind the wheel of a McLaren.
He was also the sport's first black race winner.
His 99th victory came on home ground at Silverstone in July this year but it was achieved in controversial circumstances. – Agencies, September 28, 2021
