F1 drops rainbow logo, to discuss pre-race plans in We Race As One update

Formula 1 has provided an update on its #WeRaceAsOne initiative, including confirmation that the rainbow logo has been dropped for 2021.

F1 launched the #WeRaceAsOne scheme in June last year ahead of the revised 2020 season, setting out two main objectives to recognise the COVID-19 pandemic and raise awareness of inequality.

For the upcoming 2021 campaign, the rainbow symbol will no longer feature alongside the #WeRaceAsOne platform on the Safety Car, teams’ cars or trackside hoardings.

"This season the rainbow will no longer feature alongside the #WeRaceAsOne platform," an F1 statement said.

"While the COVID- 19 pandemic is still an ongoing battle, we are focussing the platform on the three core pillars of our Environment, Social and Corporate Governance strategy.

"Those pillars are sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community. These areas are a priority for the sport where progress has already been made but with more commitments to be delivered in coming months and years.”

F1 will also discuss a pre-race diversity movement with the teams and drivers, following on from the anti-racism message that was carried out prior to every round last season.

"We plan to include a moment before the start of each race this season to show our united support for important issues and will be discussing this with the drivers and the teams ahead of the start of the season," the statement continued.

According to F1, the #WeRaceAsOne message will now shift its focus onto three new pillars of sustainability, diversity and inclusion and community.

Nine key areas of focus will include creating a clear path towards sustainable fuelled hybrid engines, the reduction of single-use plastics in the paddock, and offering internships and apprenticeships for under-represented groups.

F1 will also help provide a pathway into motorsport by funding talented engineering students from underprivileged backgrounds and organising work experience opportunities at F1 and the teams.

Growing awareness in the W Series - which will support F1 at eight races this year - and putting further emphasis behind the FIA’s Women in Motorsport initiatives, are also at the forefront of F1’s plans.

"Our We Race As One platform was very effective at raising the awareness of socially important issues and our steadfast commitment to make a positive change," said new F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"We are very proud of it and the teams have embraced it fully. While our commitment through words to tackling issues like sustainability and diversity in our sport are important, it is our actions that we will be judged on.

"We have already made good progress on our sustainability plans and you will see strong actions being executed this year across all three of our WRAO pillars. We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead."