F1 launches diversity task force, plans anti-racism stand

Formula 1 has set up a diversity and equality task force as part of a new initiative ahead of the 2020 season and has pledged to make a "strong and visual stand" against racism in Austria.

The #WeRaceAsOne initiative aims to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in motorsport and comes after F1’s managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn recently hinted at “major announcements” on how the sport plans to improve.

Global anti-racism protests in recent weeks following the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in the United States of America has placed strong focus on equality on all areas of society, including sport.

Six-times F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton criticised the sport’s initial silence over the matter and has since championed motorsport’s push for greater equality. As F1’s only black driver, Hamilton has been a prominent supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and attended a peaceful protest in London last weekend.

F1 now plans to follow other sports including NASCAR and English football’s Premier League in making a public stance against racial inequity and discrimination with a “strong and visual stand” at the season-opener in Austria on July 5.

Further details of F1’s support in the fight against racism are set to be outlined later this week before the heavily-delayed 2020 campaign gets underway next month.

"This initiative will be the platform for the priorities set out above and is aimed at tackling the biggest issues facing our sport and global Formula 1 launches #WeRaceAsOne communities,” an F1 statement read.

“It will not be a one week or one-year theme that disappears as issues disappear from headlines, it will underpin the Formula 1 strategy to make a tangible difference in our sport and society.

“During the race weekend in Austria we will take a stand against racism,” the statement continued. “This will include visual displays of support in the fight against racism.

“In addition to the visual display of support we will also announce later this week clear pledges to increase diversity and opportunity in our sport.

“This will include setting up a Formula 1 Task Force that 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.

“Further details of the Task Force will be set out in the coming weeks and the visual displays of support at the first race will be seen for the first time during the race weekend.”

F1 will also make a public display of support and gratitude for key workers efforts’ during the COVID-19 crisis.

Rainbows will be present on all F1 cars and around the race circuits incorporating the hashtag #WeRaceAsOne, with the initiative “continuing throughout the season”.

F1 CEO and chairman, Chase Carey, said the time has come to “recognise the issues that are bigger than any one sport or country”.

“Our first race in Austria at the start of July is a big moment for our sport after nearly four months of no racing,” he added.

“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.”