The Festival of Speed event at Goodwood in Sussex has partnered with the youth charity Mission 44, which was founded by Formular One star Lewis Hamilton.

Through work in schools the charity supports young people and helps them pursue a career in motorsport. A key focus is to improve diversity in the sport.

Hamilton is the only black driver to ever race in Formular One and “remains one of an astonishingly low number of people of colour involved in the sport more generally”, said the event’s organisers.

They add: “It’s no secret that the world of motorsport, and Formula 1 most famously, has struggled to nurture a more diverse community.

“The costs involved with entering the business have historically limited opportunities to individuals with a substantial financial background, while lesser access to the highest levels of education and encouragement in STEM subjects has further narrowed the pool of talent for the sport to tap into.”

The charity will have a “substantial presence” at the event and will be hosting a series of pane discussions on its main stage, said organisers. The charity will also bring a group of 60 young people to the Festival of Speed.

“We’re hoping to use it as an opportunity for attendees to learn about Mission 44, but also to create opportunities for young people to explore motorsport, get excited about the sport and some of the careers that exist within it,” said Mission 44 chief executive Arthur

---