With the exception of Lewis Hamilton bar all the Formula 1 drivers in the same t-shirt prior to Sunday's special forces arrive in Austria.
'End racism' stood there, with a clear reference to the fight against racism that really is in the time the world over as a result of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the resulting civil unrest and demonstrations the world over.
14 of the 20 drivers selected then to kneel before the austrian anthem in support of the fight against racism.
Photo: Mark Thompson/AFP/Ritzau Scanpix
The remaining six were standing. It was Max Verstappen, Antonio Giovinazzi, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Daniil Kvyat and Kimi Räikkönen.
They stood behind and participated in the support. But down they would not.
It had both Leclerc and Verstappen explained on Twitter, after that Friday had been a virtual kørermøde, where the subject was discussed.
Photo credit: Joe Klamar/AFP/Ritzau Scanpix
Photo: Dan Istitene/AFP/Ritzau Scanpix
Photo: Dan Istitene/AFP/Ritzau Scanpix
the Conclusion was now rather easy to have to do. All drivers and their teams agree with and fight for a more equal world regardless of skin color. But the consensus about the way of expressing himself was not present. As Charles Leclerc formulated itself:
- All 20 drivers to stand together with their teams against racism and prejudices and embraces at the same time diversity, equality and inclusion. We are supporting the Formula 1's and the FIA's battle.
- I believe that the facts and behavior in everyday life it is, it's about the above formal actions, which in some countries can be seen as controversial.
I kneel not, but it does not mean that I am not as dedicated as others in the fight against racism.
the All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting the Formula 1's and the FIA's commitment.
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020
I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries. I will not take the knee but this does not mean that all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism.
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020
#EndRacism #WeRaceAsOne #RacingUnited #PurposeDriven
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020
He has not since elaborated on what he believes in, that acts as in certain countries, can be controversial. Maybe it's a reference to the Colin Kaepernicks of the situation in the UNITED states, where NFL players protest several years ago cost him several years of his career.
Max Verstappen wrote:
- I am very interested in equality and the fight against racism. But I also believe that everyone has the right to express themselves at a time and in a way that suits them best.
I kneel not in the day, but I respect and support personal choices, and all drivers take.
I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themself at a time and in a way that suits them. I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes #WeRaceAsOne #EndRacism
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 5, 2020
the Teams have let it be completely up to the riders themselves to decide how they would act in the situation, while the FIA, the international bilsportsunion, has stressed that the upper body has not wanted to instruct drivers to make decisions, which can be seen as being political.
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