Formula 1 Launches #WeRaceAsOne
Formula 1 is returning from the four-month break with added purpose and determination to tackle the major issues that our sport and society are facing. Those issues are important for the long-term future of our sport, but equally have a major impact on the communities we race in and countries around the world.
Last November, F1 launched its sustainability strategy to make the sport net zero carbon by 2030, improve diversity and inclusion and to support communities. Recent events have reinforced the importance of those issues and the need to take action to make our sport better, improve opportunities and have a positive impact on the world we live in.
In recent months, the 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.
As the first international sport to return, F1 believes it can make a difference and use its voice to address these vital issues. That is why, ahead of the start of the new season, Formula 1 has announced their new #WeRaceAsOne initiative, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA.
This is an initiative that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is proud to support. Its aim is to tackle 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 F1’s strategy to make tangible difference in our sport and society.
Recognising the two major issues dominating our society’s consciousness at this time, COVID-19 and inequality, F1 will use the opening race to thank people around the world for the incredible strength and fortitude they have shown against a global pandemic.
Equally, F1 wants to use the restart to show that we as a sporting community stand against racism and are doing more to address inequality and diversity in the sport.
Ahead of the first race in Austria, and with support of the teams and partners, F1 will be saying thank you to key workers and individuals around the world by displaying rainbows on the F1 cars and around the race circuit with the hashtag #WeRaceAsOne.
The rainbow has been chosen as it has become a symbol used internationally in the recent crisis to bring communities together. This important gesture will encourage our fans to join us in saying thank you. The rainbow initiative will continue throughout the season.
During the race weekend in Austria, F1 will also stand against racism with visual displays supporting the fight against racism and will announce later this week clear pledges to increase diversity and opportunity in the sport - which includes setting up a Formula 1 Task Force, that will listen to people from across the paddock, including the drivers, as well as externals and make conclusions on actions required to improve diversity and opportunity in F1 at all levels.