Formula One drivers will no longer take a knee to stand up against racism in the 2022 season – The ceremony will be cancelled
Since the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season, drivers have been taking a knee before every Grand Prix to make a statement against racism. From now on, that will stop! Formula 1 will scrap the ceremony and focus on other aspects of the “We Race as One” campaign. Targeted actions instead of signs: that is the direction of march for Formula 1.
However, a video against racism will continue to be broadcast before the races of the premier class and the hashtag “WRAO” will still be present at the tracks – only the genuflection will be dropped. The drivers are free to continue to make a statement against discrimination of their own accord.
Formula One managing director Stefano Domenicali tells ‘Sky’: “We don’t have to make policy. But I think now it’s about following up the signs with actions. Now it’s about focusing on the diversity of our community. And that’s the first step.” The pre-race ceremony is also being dropped, according to Domenicali, because it has served its purpose for the past two years.
Actions instead of gestures
“I think the gesture was already important for those who believed in it,” he says. “We have to respect everyone, of course, but now it’s time to move on and take other measures.” Formula 1 has put together the first package to help disadvantaged people.
As part of its measures to improve diversity, Formula One on Tuesday extended its commitment to its scholarship programme for engineers who are under-represented. The project was launched with a donation of one million dollars (around 880,000 euros) from former Formula One chief executive Chase Carey and will now be extended for another four years until the end of 2025.
The programme has so far successfully supported ten participants who have started internships at universities in the UK and in Italy. Formula One also aims to provide employment opportunities by offering apprenticeships and internships across its business.
Hamilton targets eighth world championship title
A push that is sure to go down well with Lewis Hamilton. The Briton was already informed of the plans in advance by Formula 1. Hamilton will continue to push for more diversity in the world, but has some sporting amends to make after last season.
According to Domenicali, the Briton, who only lost the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in the final round at Abu Dhabi, will focus on winning an eighth title to put himself alone at the top of the perpetual standings. “I think that’s important because Lewis is an incredible asset, not only for our sport but also for the world,” the Formula One general manager said.
“I’m pretty sure he is fully focused on that goal because this year there will be so many new things, so many new variables, and that will put the champions in the spotlight,” Domenicali explained. “To come back to Lewis: I’m sure he will be fully focused on getting his chance to become world champion for the eighth time.”
The Formula One boss never believed in a retirement of the record winner in the premier class: “The discussion or what happened in the last weeks is part of the normal course. There was full respect for his decision to retire. I think his battery will be fully charged for the start of the season. “
