F1: ‘We Race As One’ Campaign Launched to Promote Diversity
Formula 1 has launched a new initiative for when racing returns at the start of July that acknowledges and promotes both the push for diversity and equality and the global fight against COVID-19.
The initiative will be known as #WeRaceAsOne, and an F1 rainbow logo has been designed, incorporating the colours of the 10 Formula 1 teams (red – Ferrari, orange – McLaren, yellow – Renault, teal – Mercedes, white – AlphaTauri, blue – Williams, pink – Racing Point, grey – Haas, navy – Red Bull, maroon – Alfa Romeo).
F1 says that the rainbow design was chosen "as it has become a symbol used internationally in the recent crisis to bring communities together. We believe this important gesture will encourage our fans to join us in saying thank you".
It will appear on all the cars in various ways, around the circuit and above the pit garages. There will also be a range of rainbow-branded products to race money for charities, launched by both F1 and the teams.
This will coincide with F1 upping its commitment to diversity that it outlined in last year’s launch of its 2030 zero carbon sustainability programme.
An example of the rainbow on the McLaren MCL35
To address the issue of racism in particular, starting at the 2020 Rolex Grosser Preis von Österreich, a ‘racism must end’ campaign will begin, with visual displays around the circuit being one of many ways this will be present. F1 will also set up a diversity and equality task force, which will set out pledges underlining its targets.
This new task force "will listen to people from across the paddock, including the drivers, as well as externals, and make conclusions on the actions required to improve the diversity and opportunity in F1 at all levels".
F1 CEO Chase Carey stresses the importance of the new initiative for when F1 returns in July, "Our first race in Austria at the start of July is a big moment for our sport after nearly four months of no racing. While it is an important moment for the F1 community it is also a time to recognise the issues that are bigger than any one sport or country.
"The #WeRaceAsOne initiative we have launched today, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA last week, is our way of saying thank you to the bravery and unity everyone around the world has shown during this unprecedented time.
"It will also be a platform for F1 to come together and achieve results against the most important issues facing us as a sport and the world. That is why at our first race in Austria F1 will stand united to say loud and clear that racism must end.
"We will show our full support in fighting inequality throughout the weekend and accelerate our own efforts to make F1 more diverse and inclusive.
"As a global sport we must represent the diversity and social concerns of our fans, but we also need to listen more and understand what needs to be done and get on with delivering."
Renault will sport the 'F1 Rainbow' on the nose of the R.S.20, as well as WeRaceAsOne hashtags on the halo
The #WeRaceAsOne initiative will support the wider #purposedriven movement that the FIA launched last week, with a statement from F1 saying, "The whole world has come together as one collective community in the fight against COVID-19.
"And it has brought out the best in human nature. In recent weeks people from all walks of life have united in their condemnation of racism and inequality, something that has no place in our modern world.
"We believe that as the first international sport to return we can make a difference and use our voice to address these vital issues. As a member of the global FIA motor sport family, we acknowledge its Fundamental Principles Statutes, including the fight against any form of discrimination.
"This initiative will be the platform for the priorities set out above and is aimed at tackling the biggest issues facing our sport and global communities.
"It will not be a one week or one-year theme that disappears as issues disappear from headlines, it will underpin the F1 strategy to make a tangible difference in our sport and society."
FIA president Jean Todt also referenced the ‘Fundamental Principles Statutes’ in a statement supporting and welcoming the new movements, and acknowledging its place in the FIA’s own agenda, "With F1, we have already been committed for many years to helping to protect the environment with, for example, hybrid engines and the signing of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.
"The FIA is guided by the Fundamental Principles of its Statutes, including the fight against any form of discrimination and notably on account of skin colour, gender, religion, ethnic or social origin. We must promote diversity in motorsport."
F1 returns on the weekend of July 3rd to 5th for the Austrian Grand Prix.
