Lando Norris believes F1 can tackle diversity and race issues in ways other than kneeling

Lando Norris feels F1 can address diversity and race issues in other ways than just a pre-race kneeling ceremony. Following the sport’s decision to stop the controversial ceremony from upcoming seasonNorris believes the sport can “clarify and discuss” issues through other gestures in the future.

Speaking in an interview with Dutch MotorsportMcLaren driver said:

“Without a doubt, F1 has been thinking about new things and ways to make such gestures throughout the winter. I don’t know how it will be yet, it’s too early to tell. Without a doubt, there are ways other than kneeling to clarify and discuss various issues.”

He went on to add, saying:

“I don’t know what our plan is. Soon, as drivers on behalf of the GPDA, we will have meetings with Formula 1 about what the plan is. As drivers, we have to bring up such issues to be negotiable. As a group and people who appear on TV every day, we want and can achieve this.”

Earlier last week, F1 announced that it would no longer include the two-season pre-race ritual following its impromptu introduction. Speaking in an interview with Sports skyCEO Stefano Domenicali said:

“The gesture is important to those who believe it is an important gesture, because we need to respect everyone. But now is the time to move on and take some other action. This action is at the heart of our community’s diversity, and this is the first step. ”

F1’s messy approach to tackling racism and lack of diversity

Following the death of George Floyd and the ensuing racial tensions in the United States, F1 introduced the ritual of kneeling ahead of the delayed 2020 season. Led by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton – the only black driver on the grid – the drivers knelt before the race in solidarity with the black community around the world.

As discussions around racism emerged, the sport itself was criticized for its lack of diversity. In response, it introduced the “We Race As One” campaign to send a message of unity and solidarity. As part of the campaign, most teams also incorporate a special rainbow symbol in their livery.

Furthermore, FOM is committed to addressing the issues of racism and diversity afflicting the sport and its feeder game series. It introduce different programs with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to support children from the less privileged sections of society.

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Not yet many people feel that FOM’s actions are not enough to tackle the systemic problems facing underprivileged children in hopes of turning it into a sport. Meanwhile, this sport has been slowly return to “gestures”no clear alternatives emerged as the scrutiny around racism and lack of diversity dwindled.