F1 drivers united in racism fight, free to show public support – GPDA

Drivers are free to choose how they wish to show their united and public support in the fight against racism, the GPDA confirms

Ollie Barstow

04 Jul 2020

F1 drivers united in racism fight, free to show public support – GPDA

The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association says all 20 drivers stand ‘united with their teams against the racism and prejudice’ with drivers free to choose their own way to show support ahead of Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.

Ahead of this weekend’s 2020 F1 season opener, the sport has made a concerted push to promote the ideals of equality and diversity with the launch of the #WeRaceAsOne initiative.

It comes after six-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton challenged the sport to do its bit to improve in this area as an extension of the Black Lives Matter movement that the Mercedes driver has been vociferous in his support of.

Leading to various drivers and teams to do their bit in support of the initiative – such as statements on social media, or livery changes in Mercedes’ case or notes of support on helmets such Sebastian Vettel – there has been speculation over whether the drivers will unite in single gesture ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

One action anticipated is for drivers ‘take a knee’, in a nod to Colin Kaepernick, with Romain Grosjean revealing this is one of the options being discussed and one he supports.

Now the GPDA - headed up by former F1 driver Alex Wurz - has released a statement emphasising the drivers’ position of unity to fight against racism and prejudice, but adds they are free to show their public support in their own way.

“The Grand Prix Drivers’ Associaition 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 the Austrian 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 1’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.”