Mar.11 - F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has denied that the sport he leads has a problem with racism.

The racism narrative is still circulating after Lewis Hamilton led other drivers in the 'kneeling' gesture before grands prix last year.

Formula 1, now led by Domenicali following the recent departure of Chase Carey, has indicated that the kneeling may not happen in 2021.

"Down on a knee, knees up - these things have different meanings depending on where you are in the world," Domenicali told the Daily Mail.

"I want to discuss the knee with the drivers. We do not want to be focused on a single gesture," said the Italian.

"There is a big platform before races but we do not want to maximise it in a political way. We want to highlight values that are important to the world and to Formula 1."

Domenicali, the former Ferrari team boss, denied that Formula 1 is racist, despite seven time world champion Hamilton insisting that "inequities within our sport and within the world persist".

"I don't perceive that," said Domenicali when asked if F1 has a problem.

"At least I don't see that from personal experience. In truth, (it's) the other way round. Formula 1 started in certain parts of the world - Europe - but it has moved into other areas and multiculturalism is growing."

A similar stance has been taken by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who Domenicali says he speaks to "almost every week".

It is a stark departure from the relationship between Domenicali's predecessor, Chase Carey, who had effectively banned Ecclestone from the races.

"I get on well with Bernie," Domenicali said. "He said to let him know if I need advice. Formula 1 without Bernie, I'm sorry, would not be what it is today.

"You must not forget he is a pioneer in understanding the opportunity presented by cars being driven around the track and building the right enthusiasm, structure and business," he added.

"I have a lot of admiration for him and what he did. His paddock pass is ready and I hope he can come to races."


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10 F1 Fan comments on “F1 CEO does not perceive Hamilton's view on racism claims

  1. Reye

    Domenicali you're proving your ignorance with your statements. It's okay, though. The balance of global domination is shifting, so the alpha is returning. You & men like Bernie can enjoy the twilight years.

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  2. bill frizzle

    sure reye.. people that say there is racism are usually the ones that are racist...... you know.. the guy that says i never got ahead because i am minority, EVERYONE is RACIST..thats a load of .... ..... your comment alone states your racist..grow up and take responsibilty for your self ....

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    • Ayo Olanrewaju

      ...and you believe in Freeman, but they call you a black man? so what do you do then? pretend they didn't call you a black man? Grow up man

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  3. bill frizzle

    yea i agree with morgan freeman.. the minute you start going and championing one denomination like black ,white,green ,red, what ever, muslim, budda, christianity, the person themselves is admitting they are racist

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    • Ayo Olanrewaju

      Sorry, a person who is a victim of racism and takes steps to fight it cannot be termed a racist, can he? Except we want to pretend that there is no racism and that there are no victims of racism. It starts from somewhere people. Everyone did not just become racist at the same time

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  4. Ayo Olanrewaju

    Domenicali says he doesn't perceive racism in F1 because he has not seen "it from personal experience" . Not experiencing something is not the same as the thing not existing. The thing to do, imo, is to ask from those who claim they experienced racism and honestly debate how to find a solution to it, if it really exists in F1.

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  5. Ay

    Domenicali says he doesn't perceive racism in F1 because he has not seen "it from personal experience" . Not experiencing something is not the same as the thing not existing. The thing to do, imo, is to ask from those who claim they experienced racism and honestly debate how to find a solution to it, if it really exists in F1.

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  6. Walter

    I don't want or care about a drivers beliefs. I want to see a race. Save your political view for MOnday. Fri to Sun is about formula one nothing else in my opinion

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