Sebastian Vettel "surprised" by F1 decision to end pre-race kneeling

Stroll, Vettel and Hamilton kneeling — Photo: © LAT Images

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Vettel "surprised" by F1 decision to end pre-race kneeling

Drivers have been kneeling ahead of grand prix starts for the past two years

Sam Hall

Saturday 12 February 2022 09:30

Sebastian Vettel has conceded to being "surprised" at F1 scrapping the pre-race taking of the knee for the coming season.

Earlier this week, F1 confirmed it would be making changes to its 'We Race as One' messaging with the sport to move on "from gestures to actions".

The action of kneeling remains commonplace in other sports personalities continuing to promote the message of equality.

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Asked at the launch of the Aston Martin AMR22 if drivers had been advised of the changes, Vettel said: "No, they just changed.

"I was a bit surprised. I think the issues we were tackling are not going to be gone within two years and therefore I was a bit surprised.

"I hope that as drivers, we find a way to get together and find a slot, still expressing topics that are important to us."

F1 will continue to display a video promoting the WRAO message in the pre-race buildup with branding also to be displayed trackside.

Vettel has been vocal in calling out the need for change in recent years with his display of opposition to the anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Hungary a prominent example.

"Probably not all the drivers care, but a lot of us really do care," added Vettel.

"It will be great to get together but probably it was getting a bit too strong and too individual for the business side of things."

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