Lando wants F1 drivers to unite against racism

LANDO NORRIS says a number of drivers have discussed taking a knee at the longawaited first race of the season in Austria on Sunday.

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and joined an anti-racism march in London earlier this month, while his Mercedes team will adopt a black livery to highlight the fight against inequality.

Fellow Briton Norris (pictured) says drivers could follow the lead of Premier League footballers in taking a choreographed show of solidarity before this weekend’s opening race.

‘If we are going to do it, we should all do it as a grid,’ said Norris. ‘It will be discussed following the drivers’ briefing with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association on Friday.

‘We will do whatever we can to show that we care and respect everyone.’ Norris will join Hamilton in carrying an ‘End Racism’ message on his McLaren car this season and recently encouraged his social media followers to sign petitions following Hamilton’s criticism of his peers for staying silent on the matter.

‘I want to do better than any other driver, but everyone should be given the same opportunity and treated the same,’ added Norris. ‘It is not fair people get treated differently because of their race. ‘This sport reaches millions of people. The more we can do as drivers, teams, and as a community in Formula One, the bigger impact we can have.’ The season had been due to start in March until a member of Norris’ McLaren team fell ill with coronavirus ahead of the season opener in Melbourne. Eight rounds are now due to take place over the next ten weekends, with F1 chiefs still hoping to stage 18 behind-closeddoor races this year.