F1 drivers, teams will have opportunity to show Black Lives Matter support at Grands Prix
The sport's authorities will be supportive of those who want to show public backing at race weekends
Tuesday 16 June 2020 15:50, UK
F1 drivers and teams will have the opportunity to show support for Black Lives Matter and diversity when the season begins.
It is understood F1 authorities will be supportive of shows of solidarity at Grands Prix, such as individuals taking a knee or teams carrying messages of support on their cars.
The FIA have confirmed to Sky Sports that they are working on their own plans with F1 for the Austrian GP, which kickstarts the delayed 2020 season on July 3-5.
Lewis Hamilton has been a leading voice on the issue and both Mercedes and F1 have backed the six-time F1 champion for passionately speaking out.
Speaking on The F1 Show, Sky Sports News' Craig Slater reported: "While Lewis has been the leading voice on this topic, Mercedes and other teams as well recognise that this is an issue for the entire sport to address."
Other teams and drivers, including Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, have issued messages in support.
Hamilton has posted on social media recommended reading and watching lists in order for people to learn more about the topic and Sky F1's Karun Chandhok said: "The fact that people like Lewis are raising this to the forefront of our minds make us all go and educate ourselves."
On Monday, FIA president Jean Todt reiterated motorsport's governing body were determined to fight against discrimination of any kind, and sought to improve diversity in motorsport
In a speech outlining its goals for the year ahead, Todt declared the "FIA is a global actor and its role doesn't stop at the frontiers of motor sport and mobility".
Todt said: "Our Federation will continue to be guided for all motorsport and mobility matters by the Fundamental Principles of our Statutes which state that the FIA should fight any form of discrimination and notably on account of skin colour, religion, ethnic or social origin.
"As we promote gender equality with FIA Women in Motor Sport Commission, we must promote diversity in Motor Sport."
