This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On Sunday, July 5, at the Austrian Grand Prix, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton led a majority of the 20 drivers in taking a knee in a gesture of anti-racism solidarity. However, six drivers refused to join him.
Hamilton, the only black driver in the sport, wore a Black Lives Matter t-shirt, while other drivers sported black tops saying 'End racism'. The six drivers who refused to take a knee were Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Red Bull's Max Verstappen, McLaren's Carlos Sainz, Alpha Tauri's Danil Kvyat, Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi, and former world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Hamilton had explained his views to his fellow drivers before the race, claiming that silence is 'generally complicit'. He also stated that the fight against racism is about equality, not politics or promotion.
Hamilton wrote on Instagram after the race: 'Today was an important day for me and all the people out there who are working for and hoping for change, for a more equal and just society.'
Leclerc and Verstappen had previously stated that they would not take a knee, citing that they believed in the importance of individual expression and that formal gestures could be seen as controversial in some countries.
Verstappen tweeted: 'I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themselves at a time and in a way that suits them.'
The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) had issued a statement on Saturday, claiming the drivers were united in opposing racism, but supporting each individual in being free to choose how to express their positions.
Formula One's ruling body, FIA, had pledged to give one million euros ($1.1m) to the sport's new 'We Race As One' diversity foundation.
