Six drivers choose not to take the knee before Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton kneels after speaking out

Six Formula 1 drivers decided not to take the knee prior to the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Danil Kvyat, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen remained standing while the majority kneeled at the front of the grid.

However, all wore ‘End Racism’ or ‘Black Lives Matter’ shirts and two of those who chose to stand insisted they are committed to the fight against prejudice with statements on social media.

End Racism.

One cause. One commitment.

As individuals, we choose our own way to support the cause. As a group of drivers and a wider F1 family, we are united in its goal.#WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/qjxYi1zWcJ

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 5, 2020

Leclerc explained: “All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting Formula 1’s and FIA’s commitment.

“I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries.

“I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism. #EndRacism #WeRaceAsOne #RacingUnited #PurposeDriven.”

I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries. I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism.

— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020

Verstappen said: “I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism.

“But I believe everyone has the right to express themself at a time and in a way that suits them.

“I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes. #WeRaceAsOne #EndRacism.”

Lewis Hamilton took the knee after speaking out about racism at the conclusion of qualifying on Saturday.

“We know there is an issue,” the Mercedes driver said regarding the split between drivers over taking a knee.

“We don’t need an experience like tomorrow to prove that. We spoke a bit in the drivers’ briefing, yep, interesting.

“I don’t know what we will see tomorrow. Potentially, people will pay their respects in their own way.

I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themself at a time and in a way that suits them. I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes #WeRaceAsOne #EndRacism

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 5, 2020

“I just described that silence is complicit and there is still silence in some cases.

“So, I thanked those that have said something on their social media platforms – because they have a great voice – and encouraged the others that have not, to say something.

“It is about helping people understand because there are people who don’t fully understand what is happening, and the reasons behind these protests. I try to continue to guide and influence as many people as I can with it.”

Source: TalkSport.com Motorsport

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