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F1 launches 'We Race As One' initiative

NEWS STORY
22/06/2020

F1 has launched an initiative "aimed at tackling the biggest issues facing our sport and global communities".

The official release reads as follows:

As Formula 1 returns after a four-month break, we believe we must return with added purpose and determination to tackle the major issues that we as a sport, but also society, are facing. Those issues are important to the longer-term future of our sport, but equally have a major impact on the communities we race in and countries around the world.

Last November we launched our sustainability strategy to make our sport net zero carbon by 2030, improve diversity and inclusion in Formula 1 and to support communities. Recent events have reinforced the importance of those issues and the need for us take action to make our sport better, improve opportunity and to have a positive impact on the world we live in.

In recent months, the whole world has come together as one collective community in the fight against COVID-19 and it has brought out the best in human nature. In recent weeks people from all walks of life have united in their condemnation of racism and inequality, something that has no place in our modern world. We believe that as the first international sport to return we can make a difference and use our voice to address these vital issues. As a member of the global FIA motor sport family, we acknowledge its Fundamental Principles Statutes, including the fight against any form of discrimination.

That is why today, ahead of our season start, Formula 1 announces our new #WeRaceAsOne initiative, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA last week. This initiative will be the platform for the priorities set out above and is aimed at tackling the biggest issues facing our sport and global communities. It will not be a one week or one-year theme that disappears as issues disappear from headlines, it will underpin the Formula 1 strategy to make a tangible difference in our sport and society.

Recognising the two major issues dominating society's consciousness at this time, COVID-19, and inequality we will use our opening race to thank people around the world for the incredible strength and fortitude they have shown against a global pandemic. Everyone from key workers through to families and individuals that have endured lockdown to tackle the virus deserve our thanks and gratitude. Equally we want to use our restart to show that we as a sporting community stand united against racism and are doing more to address inequality and diversity in Formula 1.

Therefore, ahead of our first race in Austria on 3-5July and with the support of the teams and our partners Formula 1 will be saying thank you to key workers and individuals around the world by displaying rainbows on the Formula 1 cars and around the race circuit with the hashtag #WeRaceAsOne. The rainbow has been chosen as it has become a symbol used internationally in the recent crisis to bring communities together. We believe this important gesture will encourage our fans to join us in saying thank you. The rainbow initiative will continue throughout the season.

During the race weekend in Austria we will take a stand against racism. This will include visual displays of support in the fight against racism. In addition to the visual display of support we will also announce later this week clear pledges to increase diversity and opportunity in our sport. This will include setting up a Formula 1 Task Force that will listen to people from across the paddock, including the drivers, as well as externals and make conclusions on the actions required to improve the diversity and opportunity in Formula 1 at all levels. Further details of the Task Force will be set out in the coming weeks and the visual displays of support at the first race will be seen for the first time during the race weekend.

Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, said: "Our first race in Austria at the start of July is a big moment for our sport after nearly four months of no racing. While it is an important moment for the Formula 1 community it is also a time to recognise the issues that are bigger than any one sport or country. The #WeRaceAsOne initiative we have launched today, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA last week, is our way of saying thank you to the bravery and unity everyone around the world has shown during this unprecedented time. It will also be a platform for Formula 1 to come together and achieve results against the most important issues facing us as a sport and the world. That is why at our first race in Austria Formula 1 will stand united to say loud and clear that racism must end. We will show our full support in fighting inequality throughout the weekend and accelerate our own efforts to make Formula 1 more diverse and inclusive. As a global sport we must represent the diversity and social concerns of our fans, but we also need to listen more and understand what needs to be done and get on with delivering."

Jean Todt, President of the FIA, said: The "New Deal" I propose for motor sport in the context of COVID-19 pandemic means laying the foundations for the recovery and a sustainable future for Formula 1 and other disciplines. It includes new rules to reduce costs as well as initiatives to increase the popularity and accessibility of motor sport. Importantly, it shall also harness the positive contribution motor sport brings to society, covering all sectors from health, safety, economy, environment, education, inclusion and diversity. This is the intention of the #PurposeDriven Movement we launched last Thursday, and I am very pleased to welcome the #WeRaceAsOne initiative as part of this collective effort. With Formula 1, we have already been committed for many years to helping to protect the environment with, for example, hybrid engines and the signing of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework. The FIA is guided by the Fundamental Principles of its Statutes, including the fight against any form of discrimination and notably on account of skin colour, gender, religion, ethnic or social origin. We must promote diversity in motor sport."

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READERS COMMENTS

 

1. Posted by trackrecords, 25/06/2020 19:39

"More than a hint of irony here, launching this initiative in a country that gave birth to the biggest racist of the last 100 years - they may as well call one of the two GP the "Aryan Master race"..."

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2. Posted by Editor, 22/06/2020 19:42

"@ Bill Hopgood

We do not offer prizes for post of the week, month or year... but if we did...

This initiative is virtue signalling of the highest order."

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3. Posted by Bill Hopgood, 22/06/2020 19:13

"I'm not sure if it is just me but things like #WeRaceAsOne seem to lack sincerity.

I mean, did F1 not care until today about what they say they care about now?

I'm not saying there are not problems in society however, the teams that employ the people are hiring based on competency rather than anything else.

The teams need the best of the best to stand a chance of winning, hence why the best teams go out and head hunt from each other and other industries.

It is completely lacking in logic that they would do otherwise, particularly in F1 where the stakes (financial risks) are so damn high.

Nothing is perfect and sport in general is a snapshot of society in many ways, it takes in the rough and the smooth of the competitors and the fans.

For me, it is getting to the point of if a company or organisation keeps trying to highlight how much they all of a sudden "care" then I'm finding myself turned off their product or service.

They should have been open to having the best of the best people regardless of who they are.

If F1 is so concerned about such things then should they not concentrate on is the equality of opportunity? I mean we all know there is a kid out there that could be great but is going to struggle to get the resources to get in front of the teams.

I can't blame F1 too much for releasing programs as they have mentioned as they probably fear getting called out otherwise, however, by doing so it just makes it look like they didn't take these things into account before."

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