Formula 1 has decided to allow the drivers to deliver their own pre-race message and gesture in support of its #WeRaceAsOne initiative this season.
Last year F1 was in the spotlight for while it rightly highlighted an ‘end racism’ stance given the issues and incidents that were taking place around the world at the time, there was a lack of unity amongst the drivers as to the appropriate gesture.
Whilst the majority opted to take a knee, as athletes did in other sports, there were a number who chose to stand. The conversation around that at the time often diluted the anti-racism message.
For the record-breaking 23-race season, F1 has determined that while there will be a continuation of the drivers showing their support to ending racism shortly before the start of a race, the focus will be on #WeRaceAsOne.
F1 recently announced the platform now represents core social issues – sustainability, diversity & inclusion and community, rather than solely focusing on anti-racism, although it remains intrinsic to the wider message.
F1 has spoken to all the drivers and teams and it has been determined each driver will be free to choose his own gesture – kneeling, standing, bowing of the head – or other way to mark the moment while they all stand together on a #WeRaceAsOne banner.
It is understood that while F1 is fully supportive of the quest to end racism, it feels it appropriate it also shines a spotlight on other #WeRaceAsOne issues.
An F1 spokesperson said: “The whole of Formula 1 is united in its support for WeRaceAsOne and the drivers will all show their own support for the initiative ahead of the grand prix.
“The drivers will be free to show their commitment in their own way before the race and there will be no requirement for them to make a specific gesture.
“The important thing is all of them being together in full support of our initiatives on sustainability, diversity & inclusion and community.”
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