The image that was repeated until now every Grand Prix weekend before the race, with the pilots showing their aversion against racism before listening to the national anthem, will no longer be produced to go a step further.
Formula 1 took a 180º turn with the arrival of Liberty Media to power in 2017 after Bernie Ecclestone stepped aside, thus parking a methodology that many considered outdated in relation to the management of the premier category of motorsport and making gala of a more modern: a closer sport for the fan, respectful with the environment and with the human diversity.
The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 fueled the movement known as #BlackLivesMatterchampioned by Lewis Hamilton in F1, which led to the campaign #WeRaceAsOne which encompassed the fight against racism by promoting equality and remembering those affected by COVID-19.
A video Before the race, it was shown both on the broadcast and on the circuit itself every weekend before the single-seaters began to roll, while the drivers, protagonists of said protest video, showed solidarity on the asphalt.
The kneeling is over
From 2022, Formula 1 will encourage drivers to stop kneeling in the moments before the race, while maintaining the #WeRaceAsOne and absolute freedom for the grid to make the gesture it deems most appropriate.
«You don’t have to do politics, but I think now it’s about moving from gesture to action. Now action is the focus of the diversity of our community, and this is the first step,” he said. Stefano Domenicali to Sky F1.
“We have to respect everyone, as always, but now is the time to move on and take other measures”
“I think the gesture has already been important for those who believed it was an important gesture. We have to respect everyone, as always, but now is the time to move on and take other steps.”
How will Hamilton react?
The banner of the claim against racism that has ended up embracing Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, who recently reappeared publicly after 56 days away from social networks and the ‘Great Circus’, has been informed of this decision.
Is Domenicali worried about a possible adverse reaction from the seven-time champion? How does the Italian evaluate his return? “From what I know and what I see, I have seen the last photo of Lewis with the appropriate positivity in his face and gesture of him. I think that’s important, because Lewis is an incredible assetnot only for our sport, but for the world, and he has before him the possibility of being eight times world champion, “he said.
«I am convinced that he is fully focused on that goalbecause this year there will be many new things, many new variables, and that will allow these champions to be so attractive, “he added before concluding respecting the British decision to stay out for a while.
“The discussion or what has happened in the last couple of weeks is part of the normal things that we do. There was a kind of total respect that his choice was to be silent, and I think his battery is fully charged for the beginning of the season », closed Domenicali.