Formula 1 launches the #WeRaceAsOne initiative

Formula 1

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Formula 1 launches the #WeRaceAsOne initiative

"Formula 1 will stand united to say loud and clear that racism must end"

Sam Hall

Monday 22 June 2020 11:21 Updated: 11:33

Formula 1 will put on a united front ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix as part of the new #WeRaceAsOne initiative.

In 2019, Formula 1 announced a diversity strategy alongside new sustainability plans, however, the sport now acknowledges more must be done to promote equality and end discrimination of all forms in motorsport.

“Our first race in Austria at the start of July is a big moment for our sport after nearly four months of no racing," said Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey. "While it is an important moment for the Formula 1 community it is also a time to recognise the issues that are bigger than any one sport or country.

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"The #WeRaceAsOne initiative we have launched today, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA last week, is our way of saying thank you to the bravery and unity everyone around the world has shown during this unprecedented time.

"It will also be a platform for Formula 1 to come together and achieve results against the most important issues facing us as a sport and the world. That is why at our first race in Austria Formula 1 will stand united to say loud and clear that racism must end.

"We will show our full support in fighting inequality throughout the weekend and accelerate our own efforts to make Formula 1 more diverse and inclusive. As a global sport we must represent the diversity and social concerns of our fans, but we also need to listen more and understand what needs to be done and get on with delivering.”

We must return with added purpose and determination to tackle the major issues that we as a sport, but also society, are facing.

Today we make our commitment to addressing those issues.#WeRaceAsOne #F1 pic.twitter.com/wXbbNiw8tD
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 22, 2020

It has been announced there will be 'visual displays of support in the fight against racism' across the weekend in Austria, details of which will be released at a later date.

The return of Premier League football has seen players, staff and officials all take the knee, an action now synonymous with the Black Lives Matter campaign, prior to kick off.

Formula 1 has committed to creating a task force which will 'listen to people from across the paddock, including the drivers, as well as externals and make conclusions on the actions required to improve the diversity and opportunity in Formula 1 at all levels'.

On Saturday, Lewis Hamilton announced 'The Hamilton Commission', the Formula 1 champion using motorsport to encourage young BAME people to engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a rainbow has become the visual representation of thanks for key workers, something Formula 1 has adapted using the colours of the ten teams.

This branding will also feature around the circuit as well as on charitable branded products from F1 and the teams.

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