The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Norris: We’ve discussed taking a knee in Austria
Lando Norris says a number of Formula One drivers have discussed “taking a knee” at the first race of the season in Austria on Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s six-time world champion, has been vocal about the Black Lives Matter movement, attending an anti-racism march in London earlier this month.
Hamilton’s Mercedes team announced on Monday that they will adopt a black livery on their cars this year in the fight against inequality.
Premier League players have shown their support for the BLM movement by taking a knee before kick-off – and F1 drivers could choreograph a similar show of solidarity on the grid on Sunday.
“Some of the drivers have already been speaking (about taking a knee),” Norris told PA. “If we are going to do it, we should all do it as a grid.
“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. We will do what is right when the time comes.”
Like Hamilton, Norris will carry the “End Racism” message on his car this season.
The 20-year old McLaren driver recently encouraged his social media following 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.
“This sport reaches millions of people and the more we can do as drivers, teams, and as a community in Formula One, the bigger impact we can have.”
The new F1 campaign had been due to start in the middle of March before a member of Norris’ McLaren team fell ill with coronavirus on the eve of the season opener in Melbourne.