F1 CEO ends F1 'kneeling' ceremony
Feb.9 - Formula 1 has called an end to the pre-race 'kneeling' ceremony that became commonplace during the covid-marred era of the past two seasons.
As the world begins to find its feet after two long years of restrictions and fundamental societal changes, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says drivers will no longer gather for their usual anti-racism moment at the front of the grid.
"We don't have to do politics," he is quoted by Sky Italia.
"The value of the gesture has been understood, but now we have to work to putting the concept of diversity into our community. This is the first step we will take.
"I think the kneeling was an important gesture for those who thought it was an important gesture for respect," Domenicali added, "but now is the time to move forward and take other actions.
"We are committed to increasing diversity and opportunity within this incredible sport."
In reality, the kneeling gesture - which began amid the predominantly US-based George Floyd protests and riots in 2020 - actually divided the F1 drivers as many opted to stand.
Reports suggest anti-racism messaging will remain in place in 2022, with Domenicali insisting he respects Lewis Hamilton's stewardship on the issue.
The F1 CEO also commented on seven time world champion's total radio silence following his title defeat to Max Verstappen.
"There was total respect on his choice to be silent. I think his battery will be fully charged for the start of the season," said Domenicali.
"That is important because Lewis is an incredible asset not only for our sport but for the world. Lewis has in front of him a possibility to be an eight time world champion, so I'm pretty sure he is totally focused on these objectives."
Hamilton, understood to now be at Mercedes' HQ, re-emerged in the past few days with a social media photo from the top of the famous Grand Canyon.
"He radiated a lot of positivity in that photo," Domenicali said.
One outstanding question ahead of the 2022 season is the fate of under-fire race director Michael Masi, with rumours Hamilton and Mercedes have argued behind the scenes for his ousting.
"I have talked to Michael," former FIA president Jean Todt revealed to Sky Italia.
"Not specifically about what happened in Abu Dhabi, but rather about him as a person. I hope he is doing well," he added of the Australian.
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F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says: "We don't have to do politics".
Amen brother
I agree totally Unfortunately LL brought politics into f1, as in Hungary 21 and his t shirt antics, so its pretty obvious politics ie Governments ARE involved
"He radiated a lot of positivity in that photo," Domenicali said.
All of that from a pic of the knight standing on a rock? I know that it's been a slow off-season, but the journos are really reaching for quotes. I imagine the Todt comment re Masi is taken way out of context.
Meanwhile, NOR has signed with the papaya guys through 2025. Yippee! Go Lando, bring one home for the good guys. Let the young lions roar!!!
Finally.
Yes. We should do away with the kneeling before the show. I mean after all it should be ok for the police to shoot and kill anyone they want to whenever they want. And God knows, we don't want 10 seconds of an F! race to acknowldge this is still going on. The US just had the most people killed by police this last year with virtually no prosecutions. I'm sure other countries are similar.
We have to not let our desire to be entertained with anything unpleasant.
This stuff never bothered me. As a matter of fact, I am glad some visibility is brought to this issue on such a big platform. And based on some of the comments I read on this forum, the spotlight needs to be cast upon some of these posters.
About time the kneeling was stopped in truth it should never have been allowed in the first place keep the politics out of our racing
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