Vettel surprised by F1’s decision to ditch ‘taking the knee’ ceremony

Earlier this week, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed that the sport would be taking ‘action’ rather than focusing on ‘gestures’ as it would no longer be setting time aside for drivers to take the knee before the start of grands prix.

Since the start of 2020, many drivers including Vettel, have opted to take the knee as a sign of solidarity against racism.

Drivers formed up at the front of the grid, usually wearing t-shirts displaying anti-racism messages or any other issues they wished to raise.

Speaking at Aston Martin’s 2022 F1 car launch, Vettel suggested that the decision taken was due to business reasons.

“No, they just changed,” Vettel said. “I was a bit surprised. The issues that we are tackling are not going to be gone in one or 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 to still express topics that are important to us.

“Probably not all of the drivers care, but I think some really do care and it will be great to get together. But it was probably getting a bit too strong and individual for the business side of things.”

Vettel will get his first taste of the AMR22 at a shakedown at Silverstone ahead of pre-season testing in Barcelona later this month.

The German will remain alongside Lance Stroll for his second year with the Silverstone-based outfit.