Diversity in F1: Calum Nicholas on inspiring greater multiculturalism in motorsport

Former self-declared ‘mechanic’, or rather senior power unit assembly technician for Red Bull Racing, Calum Nicholas, has recently released his first book, Life in the Pitlane, a memoir of his experiences within the world of motorsport which equally focuses on important issues of inclusivity and diversity in F1.

As one of the very few black faces in the F1 paddock, it can be “quite intimidating” for Nicholas, who is very much aware of being part of the minority. Whilst he does receive some racist abuse as part of his role (something he particularly faced during the 2021 and 2022 seasons) he explains in his book that this is always online, where people are able to send anonymous messages, hiding behind a screen.

He speaks very honestly about his experiences with racism, and his ability to ignore and overcome them. Although, he explains that one of the more difficult things to ignore is when some people refer to him as a “token diversity hire,” implying he was only hired due to his ethnicity, so that Red Bull could seem like a more diverse company.

In 13 years, I’ve never had a fan at a race track confront or abuse me

With regard to his earlier experiences in F1, as part of his memoir, he pays tribute to an earlier mentor, Paul Bellringer, who gave Nicholas his first role at Status GP. Whilst he acknowledged that Bellringer would often make somewhat racially charged comments, he adds that he is aware that Bellringer comes from a different generation, when some references were considered more acceptable than they are now.

As part of his book, he also refers to his upbringing, and how this has influenced his later life. Coming from a working-class family, he ensures not to forget his roots. It was only when one of his black friends warned him against pursuing a career in F1 due to it being “a white man’s game,” that he felt disheartened about his ambitions as a teenager.

However, he adds that “in 13 years, I’ve never had a fan at a race track confront or abuse me,” instead receiving support from those he meets. In recent years, he has become a much more prominent figure in the F1 paddock, with the Independent even describing him as “a minor star of Drive to Survive,” the Netflix documentary which offers behind the scenes coverage of what happens during an F1 season.

Last week, Nicholas announced that he had stepped down from his previous role, and will now be taking up a new role as an ambassador for Red Bull Racing

Life in the Pitlane was written by Nicholas, without the help of a ghostwriter. When asked if Red Bull had much input into its contents, he explained that whilst he should have cleared the idea with the team before writing, he didn’t so as to maintain control of his own work. He prides himself on “asking for forgiveness rather than permission”.

He also explains the immensely positive response he received from Red Bull, deeming it “incredible… I couldn’t have asked for a better reaction”. Their only request was that they would be able to read the book before publication, which Nicholas was more than happy to allow.

Ultimately, the publication of this novel comes at a time when diversity and inclusivity are constantly in the spotlight in the world of F1. Last November, F1 introduced their new Diversity and Inclusion charter, as part of which they are looking to “continue to maximise diversity” across the sport.

Last week, Nicholas announced that he had stepped down from his previous role, and will now be taking up a new role as an ambassador for Red Bull Racing. Perhaps this provides an alternative opportunity for embracing and encouraging diversity in a sport which up until recently has been, as Nicholas’ friend chose to put it, very much “a white man’s game”.