Formula 1 drivers explained their different positions when kneeling before the Austrian GP last Sunday after 14 of the 20 starters made the gesture.
In a public show against racism and discrimination before the season opening race co-ordinated by the F1 and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, all 20 drivers wore “End Racism” T-shirts as they gathered grids before the race. Lewis Hamilton’s t-shirt also included “Black Lives Matter” on the front.
The GPDA said in a statement that drivers are free to show their support in their own way.
Fourteen drivers also knelt, six not, meaning there was no collective gesture like the one seen in other sports like the Premier League and the cricket teams of England and the West Indies before Wednesday’s first test.
Hamilton said that the pre-race events in Austria were a “step in the right direction”, but believes that the F1 can do more together.
“I never said whether I was disappointed with the other boys or not, but we have to look at these other sports that ultimately did a better job of showing their unanimous united front,” Hamilton said to Sky Sports F1.
“I am so impressed with what football did. I’m really impressed with how NASCAR, for example, was one of the first sports to respond instantly and hold itself accountable. We have to do more because we are such a global sport. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s no reason why we should be different from a sport like football, which is the biggest sport in the world. “
F1’S DRIVER ON ONE KNEE
Before the race, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen said on social media why they would not do so while other drivers explained their personal positions when F1 returned to the Red Bull Ring on Thursday before the Styrian GP this weekend.
“Formula One gave us the choice to express ourselves the way we wanted to,” Leclerc told Sky Sports. “We all went [to the front of the grid] and it was clearly written on our shirt to end racism, which is the main message we want to convey.
“Everyone can express it the way we want it, and I did it, I wanted to stand. I bowed my head to respect this, and yes, I’m totally against racism.
“I honestly saw a couple of things on social media that put me off from racially judging someone just because they didn’t take my knee for me is not right and I definitely am not. But I wanted to do it that way. “
The Russian driver Daniil Kvyat was one of the drivers who did not get on his knees and he explained: “I am really against racism and we as a group of drivers have decided that a very strong message is wearing the T-shirt with the inscription “End Racism” would wear. . I think this type of message was very strong and was delivered to everyone.
“Unfortunately, the gesture of getting on your knees contradicts my mentality of my country, in which you only get on your knees before God, your flag, and that’s it.”
Kimi Raikkonen did not perform the gesture either, saying that everyone had the right to make a personal decision.
“I think in general everyone has the right to do what they want,” said Raikkonen.
“All drivers are definitely against racism and we all had the shirts. I am more than happy to help with these things, but in the end everyone has the right to do how they feel most comfortable.
“The F1 and all teams do their best, so I find it a little crazy to question things, but that’s the way the world is.”
GPDA HAPPY WITH DRIVER SUPPORT
Sebastian Vettel, who took his knee alongside Hamilton at the top of the grid, said he wanted to support his multi-world champion while sending a strong message.
“It should be that he makes the gesture but also sends the message. The message is what really matters,” said the Ferrari driver, who is director of the GPDA. “The motivation is very simple. One is the message that we all want to convey as drivers with the same shirts.
“There was never a second of doubt in my head [about kneeling], primarily out of respect for Lewis and to support him and the message. So I was happy to kneel. “
Romain Grosjean, who is also director of the GPDA, added: “There was a lot of discussion and we wanted and we wanted 100 percent of the drivers to be united with the“ End Racism ”message, which was very important to all of us.
“After that, everyone has a different way of showing their support for the movement, and I think as an athlete it was the right message to take the knee to highlight the End Racism t-shirt we had.
“But some had a different view and we can all have a different gesture for something you mean. At the GPDA we were very happy that 100 percent of the drivers met our wishes and supported Formula 1, We Race As One and End Racism. “
OTHER DRIVERS AT ONE KNEE
Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes: “I think it was an important thing because it is a very strong sign that we think racism should end, so I wanted to be part of it. I think it was a strong message from everyone.
“I didn’t really see why I wouldn’t definitely do it when I was behind the team, and we really share the same values. It was a good and nice thing. “
Lando Norris, McLaren: “Because I believe in this current time span for the whole world, we as drivers should try to achieve the greatest possible effect.
“I was brought up in a very privileged way and I can say that I am very grateful for it, but I also try to help people who are not so happy in every possible way.
“I did what I can to show as much support as possible, and I think I did on Sunday.”
Daniel Ricciardo, Renault: “I definitely wanted it [take the knee]after seeing what was going on. It definitely opened my eyes in the last month, but obviously it has been like this for years. I wanted to find out more about what I really wanted. Talking to other drivers and then understanding that some of them wanted me was definitely for me.
“We have a platform and a real chance to educate at least part of the world, so that was really the reason. I am definitely for the movement and if we get another opportunity I will do it again. But I’m not sure how it will go on. I absolutely stand by it and hope that people like me can be brought up by what happened.
“It was cool to learn, sometimes devastating, and to understand more about it.”
Alex Albon, Red Bull: “I think as a group it’s not just about one knee, the whole grid with our shirts and everything. We don’t emphasize anyone with one knee or not, everyone had their own decision or right to show how they wanted to portray it.
“But I think the most important thing we should focus on is that we all supported We Race As One and I think it was a pretty strong image. I am proud of what we have shown. “
Kevin Magnussen, Haas: “As drivers, we talked about what we can do to demonstrate our solidarity and support for this movement that is currently taking place in the world.
“Obviously, some drivers didn’t choose the knee, others didn’t. I decided to take my knee. I thought about whether I should or shouldn’t.
“Ultimately, I didn’t want it to be associated with the particular movement, Black Lives Matter. I cannot reconcile this organization with everything that it stands for, but I can agree to end racism and support the end of discrimination against black people. That’s why I took my knee.
“I thought on my part that that was the right thing to do. I have no problems with the drivers who did not choose the knee. We all agree that we are against racism, we try to put an end to it, and I think every driver and every person can show their thoughts and how to convey this in their own way. “
Pierre Gasly, Alpha Tauri: “I think it was important for us as the Formula 1 community as drivers to send a strong message to support this cause because it is something that is important to all of us. All 20 drivers agree to support this cause and try to bring something positive for people and a strong message with these values.
“I think it was important for all of us to share this message, even if we didn’t show it all in the same way. I think it’s really personal for everyone, but the message is supported by all 20 drivers and that’s the most important thing. “
Sergio Perez, race point: “I did it to support anti-racism worldwide. I don’t think it’s a specific way, I just want to support everything globally. I don’t think there is a plan for this weekend, but we’ll be discussing with the drivers. “
Esteban Ocon, Renault: “I thought it was important to show my support for the cause, I also wore the t-shirt. I think what’s going on in the world is difficult, so of course I do what I want and I wanted to express it and show support for the cause. “
Lance Stroll, race point: “I chose the knee because I support ending all racism.”
George Russell, Williams: “I thought on my part that that was the right thing to do. I have no problem with the drivers who did not choose the knee. We all agreed that we are against racism. We all try to put an end to this, and every person and every driver can show his thoughts and how he can convey this in his own way. “
Nicholas Latifi, Williams: “I chose to kneel because I obviously support the initiative and do everything to end racism and promote equality and diversity. The message, especially in the grid, was to end racism. Kneeling was a universal gesture or action that promoted this. “
– Sky Sports
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