Hamilton backs F1’s ‘action over gestures’ approach

F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali recently revealed that the world championship would be ending its designated pre-race ‘We Race As One’ moment on the grid to highlight issues surrounding diversity and the environment. 

These formal grid procedures ahead of each race have been commonplace in F1 since the start of the 2020 season, but the sport will shift its focus towards “action” rather than “gestures”. 

While there will be no formal pre-race moment during the 2022 season, drivers will still be free to take a knee or perform gestures. 

"We have to not have to do politics,” Domenicali told Sky Sports F1. 

"But I think now it's a matter from gesture to action. Now the action is the focus on the diversity of our community. And this is the first step.”

Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who has taken a knee at every race since 2020 and championed F1’s anti-racism push, said he backed Domenicali’s decision. 

“I’ve not put a huge amount of thought to it but, of course, I do think what Stefano said makes sense, that it is about action now, and so that’s something that I look forward to seeing over a period of time,” said Hamilton.

“Things like, for example, I had a great call last year with all the teams about getting included in this charter, so that every team is trying to push for diversity. I guess just really rather than just talking about these things and making those gestures, actually really pushing [for change]. 

“I don’t know whether we need to have that one moment,” he added. “We should be able to do it at any stage, really.

“I did feel that the overall slogan last year, with all the different things compiled into one, I think we can do more and be more impactful somehow. But I don’t know what that is just yet.”