For Leclerc, Not Kneeling On The Circuit Does Not Mean Not Supporting Black Lives Matter
JAKARTA - Ahead of the first Formula 1 race of the season in Austria, last Sunday, July 5, all 20 riders came together for the movement against racism or Black Lives Matter.
However, the unanimous decision to kneel before the race was not achievable for all 20 riders. Each is ultimately left to decide individually what they will do.
End Racism. One cause. One commitment.As individuals, we choose our own way to support the cause. As a group of drivers and a wider F1 family, we are united in its goal. # WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/qjxYi1zWcJ
- Formula 1 (@ F1) July 5, 2020
Most of the riders are on their knees. The breakdown is that 14 did and only six - Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Danil Kvyat, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikkonen - stood.
Leclerc explained on Twitter why he did not bend his knees at the circuit before the start of the race.
"All 20 riders unite with their team against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting the commitment of Formula 1 and the FIA," wrote the Ferrari racer.
All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting Formula 1's and FIA's commitment.
- Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020
"I believe that what matters is facts and behavior in our daily life rather than formal movements which can be considered controversial in some countries.
"I will not bend my knees, but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism," tweeted Leclerc.
I believe that what matters are facts and behaviors in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries. I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism.
- Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020
At that race, all 20 riders wore t-shirts that read anti-racism.
The final results of the races at the Red Bull Ring Circuit showed the dominance of the Mercedes racer Valtteri Bottas. The Finn appeared perfectly transforming the pole position and led the whole race using a black livery Mercedes W11.
Bottas now leads the riders' points with 25 points, 13 points away from Hamilton who finished second but was rewarded with a penalty due to an incident with Red Bull racer Alexander Albon so he had to settle for P4.
Second in the standings is Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (18) who finished runner-up thanks to Hamilton's penalty, followed by Lando Norris (16), who won his first podium in F1 with McLaren.