DANIEL RICCIARDO has claimed that the Formula 1 paddock was split over taking a knee due to the different nationalities involved.
Six racers decided against the action when lining up for the pre-race photograph on the grid of Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton and 13 other drivers took the knee before the race while all 20 wore anti-racism shirtsCredit: AP:Associated Press
Ricciardo explained that certain nationalities were less keen on the Black Lives Matter gestureCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Ferrari’s Monaco-born driver Charles Leclerc and Dutch star Max Verstappen were among those explaining their decision on social media.
Also opting against taking a knee were Finnish veteran Kimi Raikkonen, Russian Alpha Tauri driver Daniil Kvyat, Italian Antonio Giovinazzi and Carlos Sainz of Spain.
After the action-packed first Grand Prix of the season, Renault racer Ricciardo, who was one of the 14 who did take a knee, discussed how the drivers came to their decision.
He is quoted by Yahoo Australia as saying: “The chat with the drivers [n Friday] was essentially saying all of us are 100 per cent on board with supporting it and ending racism.
“None of us are anti this, so we all support this.
“I just think there was a little bit of difficulty with some drivers and their nationality, and what something like taking a knee would represent.
“Obviously the reasons why we would do it is purely to support Black Lives Matter.
It was important for me to make sure I played my part this time.”
Lewis Hamilton
“It is for nothing political or anything else… We all understood that we will do what we feel comfortable with.
“But no one is going to be judged or criticised if they don’t stand there in a certain way or take a knee.”
Lewis Hamilton, F1’s only black driver, has led the way in encouraging motorsport to do more to fight racism.
Following the race, he said he was happy to be the “guinea pig” having had his own experiences coming through the sport.
The 35-year-old stated: “There has been awareness on the subject over the last few weeks and we don’t need it to die a silent death and see no change.
“I can be the guinea pig and keep speaking out. All of us, myself included, we have to be accountable.
“This started with NFL player Colin Kaepernick. He sat down for the US national anthem. He sat down and received a backlash…
“I spoke to him before the [2017] US Grand Prix and I had a helmet made in red with his number on the top.
“But I was silenced and told to back down. I supported that decision which I regret.
“So it was important for me to make sure I played my part this time and, moving forward, whether there is going to be an opportunity to take the knee, I don’t know.”
‘RESPECT AND SUPPORT’
Leclerc, Verstappen and Giovinazzi all posted anti-racism messages onto social media having decided against taking a knee.
Leclerc, 22, wrote: “I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours 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.”
Red Bull star Verstappen added: “I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themself at a time and in a way that suits them. I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes.”
While Antonio Giovinazzi tweeted a Black Lives Matter image with the caption: “Fists raised to the sky to keep their distance from racism. Fists raised to the sky to say enough to racism. Fists raised to the sky because being silent means being an accomplice.”
Like Ricciardo, McLaren’s Lando Norris has emphasised that no driver will be castigated inside the paddock for their decision in taking a knee.
The Brit wrote ahead of the race: “One quick message too before people make assumptions about what decisions drivers take on the grid to express their support against racism.
“We all share the same belief in ending racism and supporting equality for all.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell now says teams should SIGN QB Colin Kaepernick as Black Lives Matter protests persist
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
