Mercedes’ seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton took a knee on the starting grid before Sunday’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix while wearing a black T-shirt declaring “Actions speak louder than words”.
The sport’s only Black driver, and an outspoken campaigner for racial equality, regularly made the gesture last season as Formula One drivers gathered together in a campaign against racism.
Formula One has broadened out the “We Race As One” ceremony this year to wider social and environmental issues.
Hamilton had said on Thursday that he planned to continue taking a knee to send a message to the younger generation.
“When (young children) see us take the knee, they will sit and ask their parents or their teachers ‘why are they doing that? What are they taking the knee for?’,” he had told reporters.
“And it sparks an uncomfortable conversation.
“It means parents have to educate themselves and the kids are getting educated.”
Formula One race director Michael Masi had clarified earlier on Sunday the pre-race procedures, stating that drivers could “wear any attire conveying a message in support of the principles of WeRaceAsOne”.
He said each driver could also mark the moment with a gesture of their own choice.
More Stories
Saka Double Against Palace Sends Arsenal Eight Points Clear
Doyle’s Late Strike Fires Sheffield United Into FA Cup Semis
France Still On Track For Home World Cup Despite losing Six Nations Title
Ronaldo Hands Team Mate Winning Penalty As Gesture Of Respect
Hamilton “At A Bit Of A Loss” With His Mercedes
Pundits Rail Against England Red Card
Ibrahimovic Becomes Oldest Scorer As Toothless Milan Lose At Udinese
Ireland In Bullish Mood After Grand Slam Win
Haaland Hits Second Hat-Trick Of Week As Man City Trounce Burnley
Hope’s Ton Lifts West Indies To Win Over South Africa In Second ODI
Imperious Ireland Beat England To Clinch Six Nations Grand Slam
Perez On Pole In Saudi Arabia As Verstappen Hits Trouble