Before the motorists gathered for the Austrian national anthem, they stood in a line. Fourteen of them took a knee, while six remained standing. I will not take the knee but this does not imply at all that I am less dedicated than others in the battle versus racism. I will not take the knee today but regard and support the individual choices every motorist makes #WeRaceAsOne #EndRacism– Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 5, 2020
Before the chauffeurs gathered for the Austrian national anthem, they stood in a line. Fourteen of them took a knee, while 6 stayed standing. In addition to Verstappen, Leclerc and 2007 world champ Raikkonen, Daniil Kvyat, Carlos Sainz and Antonio Giovinazzi likewise stood.
Ahead of the race, numerous drivers had voiced their pain with the kneeling gesture. Verstappen and Leclerc posted their reasoning to social media.
” I think that what matters are truths and behaviours in our day-to-day life rather than formal gestures that might be viewed as questionable in some countries,” Leclerc composed. “I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the battle against bigotry.”
” I am really dedicated to equality and the fight against bigotry,” Verstappen wrote. “But I think everyone can reveal themself at a time and in a method that matches them.”
I am extremely devoted to equality and the battle versus bigotry. But I think everyone has the right to reveal themself at a time and in such a way that fits them. I will not take the knee today however regard and support the personal choices every motorist makes #WeRaceAsOne #EndRacism– Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 5, 2020
Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Kimi Raikkonen were among the 6 motorists who decreased to take a knee ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Ahead of the race, the opening event of the 2020 season, motorists showed T-shirts bring the message “End Racism,” which was also composed on the start/finish line. Reigning world champ Lewis Hamilton, the sports only Black driver, used a T-shirt with the message “Black Lives Matter.”
Haas chauffeur Kevin Magnussen was one of the 14 to kneel, but on Saturday night he discussed that he was doing so not in assistance of the Black Lives Matter motion however in recognition of the larger problem of racism.
” I believe its something that theres been a great deal of speak about and its a challenging one because theres constantly going to be people who interpret it in various ways,” Magnussen stated. “I am going to take a knee however not because Im supporting the BLM organisation. Im just supporting the entire movement that the entire world appears to be coming together for ending racism. Thats what Im for, and thats what Im trying to reveal tomorrow by kneeling.
” I hope that the kneeling part isnt owned or whatever by one specific group or organisation. I hope individuals will see it as a symbol of assistance for the entire movement that is going on at the moment for ending racism and discrimination.”.
“I am going to take a knee however not since Im supporting the BLM organisation.
I believe that what matters are realities and behaviours in our life instead of formal gestures that might be seen as controversial in some countries. I will not take the knee but this does not imply at all that I am less committed than others in the fight versus bigotry.– Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) July 5, 2020
Speaking after certifying on Saturday, Hamilton called the motorists rundown of the previous day “interesting.”.
He said: “In the conference I just acknowledged a great deal of the drivers that there was an analysis of a message that I d posted requesting individuals to speak up in their silence, and just stating thank you for those that have stated something on their social platforms as they have a terrific voice and great platform and after that motivating the others who have not to state something and I just explained the circumstance that silence is usually complicit.
” There is still some silence in many cases, however I believe its also part of a discussion and attempting to understand as I still believe theres individuals that do not completely understand whats happening and the reason for the demonstration, so I continue to try and be that guider and influence as numerous people as I can with it.”.
