The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has confirmed its members will participate in a pre-race show of support for diversity and fighting racism at the Austrian Grand Prix.
In a statement issued on Saturday the GPDA said: “The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has held a number of virtual meetings with all 20 Formula 1 drivers to agree how best to show their collective support for the fight against racism ahead of this weekend’s grand prix.
“All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion and supporting Formula l’s commitment to these.
“Together the drivers will all show their public support for this cause on Sunday ahead of the race, recognising and respecting that each individual has the freedom to show their support for ending racism in their own way and will be free to choose how to do this ahead of the race start on Sunday.”
RaceFans understands the drivers have considered wearing T-shirts bearing anti-racism slogans during the pre-race ceremonies.
Lewis Hamilton, who has been the most vocal supporter of the anti-racism protests which began in May following the death of George Floyd, said it was important the drivers act in unity on the matter..
“Whatever we do, we’ll try to do it united,” he said on Thursday. “I think it’s really important that we remain united, or we become united I would say also in this sport. We really do have to fight for the injustices and the inequality.”
2020 F1 season
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- Hamilton and Mercedes finally announce new deal for 2021 season
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NeverElectric
4th July 2020, 14:04
Waiting for the “I won’t watch the race” lynch mob.
ColdFly (@)
4th July 2020, 15:31
They can just watch from home and wear a t-shirt with their preferred slogan.
Nik (@nickelodeon81)
4th July 2020, 22:57
No-one is forced to watch. If you don’t like it, don’t watch.
Illusive (@illusive)
4th July 2020, 15:29
Where was this fight when Uighurs were being sent to “re-education” camps, treated like slaves in China. Hong Kongers are getting beaten up for voicing against draconian laws.
F1 race in countries in the Middle East which have questionable human rights, inequality against women and abuse of labors from poor countries who built those football stadiums and nice buildings in the dessert.
Politics in sports is not welcome if you are being picky.
olivier (@olivier)
5th July 2020, 1:39
you gotta start somewhere. questionable human rights are everywhere, even in the Western World: violations to human rights; police brutality, violence against indigenous peoples, laws undermining access to asylum, racial violence against non-citizens, hate crime …
Lewisham Milton
4th July 2020, 15:35
It’s not the Red Bull Ring, it’s the Red Bull soapbox race!
LMB-F1 (@luis)
4th July 2020, 19:53
“Black Lives Matter”…please read, find out that this movement and what they really support, this movement instead of supporting it, maybe it could be denounced.
…do not believe me?, please investigate, this movement only raises funds under the motto of “no to racism”, yes, it is very noble, but the fund of this movement is really something else, please investigate.
Geo
5th July 2020, 9:33
Exactly, a sinister organisation funded by the 0.01% to cause anarchy and bring society down. People are being played against each other like puppets.
Mark (@surfermark)
5th July 2020, 1:10
Wow, what a difference from Austraila! Rainbows, blm, masks, das. I’m struggling to get excited about this years f1. I wanted to watch racing, not be lectured to.
Geo
5th July 2020, 9:37
If these muppets all kneel in synchronisation then its time to switch off this dying sport for good.
Fight racism yes but pandering to corrupt organisations like BLM and virtue signal kneeling like a subservient puppet helps nobody.