Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel was “surprised” and “didn't understand” when Formula One dropped the pre-race ceremony when drivers could take a knee.
Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali told Sky Sports earlier this week: “We have to not have to do politics. 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.”
In 2020, the league launched the ‘We Race As One’ initiative, which focused on diversity, inclusion and sustainability. Vettel often joined Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton as they used the ceremony to highlight major issues across the world. For example, Vettel wore a Pride rainbow shirt ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix in protest of its anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
