F1 to continue pre-race diversity message in 2021 – Domenicali

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says the sport will continue to highlight its diversity and anti-racism messages before the start of each race in 2021.

The sport launched its ‘We Race As One’ campaign with F1’s drivers in the wake of last spring’s protests against racial injustice and the emergence of the global coronavirus pandemic.

A short window was dedicated to F1’s stance on diversity ahead of each race, with all drivers lining up at the head of the grid sporting an ‘End Racism’ t-shirt and many, led by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, taking a knee.

Domenicali alluded to perhaps a different ceremonial taking place with the drivers ahead of each event, but the Italian says F1 will continue to play an “active role” in underscoring diversity and social injustice issues.

“I think that is a point on which last year was very focused on, on the racism point,” Domenicali told Sky Sports.

“But diversity and We Race As One, I think that will give us the opportunity to highlight the time before the start of the race, to use these minutes to highlight the values related to this programme and this specific subject.

“What we have in mind is to use this time to share with the drivers and the teams how we can use the attention the F1 world will have to have, not only to the end of the season, but to the diversity and We Race As One programme.

“We will use this moment to make sure that everyone will understand that Formula 1 is not living out of this world. Formula 1 wants to have an active role in enhancing these values.”

Read also: Formula 1 ‘in discussions’ with new manufacturers – Domenicali

Grand Prix racing’s push for diversity has seen several drivers use their social media platforms to promote their values and a pro-diversity message, an engagement that pleases Domenicali.

“Drivers realise more and more that they are the ambassador of Formula 1 in a different dimension, not only for technical skills but also for the way that they can put out the right message of Formula 1,” Domenicali said.

“I think they will appreciate that. Of course it’s something that we don’t want to be political, because that’s not our business, but we want to highlight the values of the society.

“I think the young drivers have a different understanding and a different sensitivity to this subject, and I think we go for it because it will be a very important message, that Formula 1 has been and will be in the future, the protagonist on this subject.”

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