Lewis Hamilton kneels to support BLM movement with colleagues as six F1 drivers choose 'not to be controversial'
As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to dominate headlines in the wake of George Floyd's death, divisions in Formula One have come to the fore after six drivers chose not to kneel in solidarity before the season-opening race in Austria.
Following a seven-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, Formula One returned on Sunday, July 5, and immediately attracted controversy because of the drivers' call to not take part in the gesture. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Max Verstappen (Redbull), Carlos Sainz (McLaren), Daniil Kvyat (Scuderia AlphaTauri), Kimi Raikkonen (Alpha Romeo), and Antonio Giovinazzi (Alpha Romeo) were those who did not kneel alongside their fellow drivers at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring.
Leclerc had announced on the eve of the race that he was all for racial equality but that he would not be kneeling because it would be seen as controversial in some countries.
"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," he tweeted. "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."
Verstappen, too, had said that he will not be kneeling because it was neither the time nor the place. "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," he wrote.
The topic of taking the knee was discussed in a virtual meeting with all 20 drivers on Friday, July 3, according to Daily Mail. However, they could not reach a unanimous decision, with the teams stating that they would live to their drivers to make up their own minds.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of Formula 1, similarly said it was not up to them to instruct the drivers on what they viewed as a political decision.
Some of the drivers were reportedly uncomfortable with the gesture because they felt the movement was shifting away from the issue of racial equality — the Black Lives Matter UK Twitter account had recently posted messages about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and defunding the police.
The drivers were also said to be uneasy about Hamilton's recent actions and felt they were being backed into a corner by the six-time champion, who has been very vocal about the lack of representation in the sport. Just last month, Hamilton, who knelt in solidarity in the Austrian GP, had called out other drivers for not speaking out against racism. "I see those of you staying silent, some of you the biggest stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice," he wrote. "Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a White dominated sport."
"I'm one of the only people of color there yet I stand alone," he continued. "I would have thought by now you would see why this happens and say something about it but you can't stand alongside us. Just know I know who you are and I see you..."
