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Why was taking a knee a step too far for some F1 drivers?

OPINION: Formula 1 made a powerful demonstration of its commitment to combating racism in Austria as 14 of the 20 drivers took a knee on the start line. But the fact not everybody did showed a visual break in the solidarity F1 is trying to convey

Formula 1's return in Austria came in a vastly-different global climate to the one in which the planned season-opener in Australia was cancelled in March. The true severity and devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic only became clear shortly after most of the F1 paddock had returned home, forcing the opening 10 races of the season to be called off.

But as F1 geared up to get the season underway, anti-racism protests and activism were sparked across the world in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in the United States at the end of May. It prompted people of all races, cultures and social standing to think about their stance against racial injustice. While efforts against racism will never go far enough until it is eradicated completely, what more can we do?

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Author Luke Smith

Luke Smith is Autosport’s Formula 1 reporter. Luke has been working in F1 as a journalist since 2013, initially alongside a History degree at University College London. Luke served as the lead F1 writer at American broadcaster NBC Sports from 2013-17 before spending two years as the F1 Editor for Crash.net. Luke joined Autosport for the 2020 season.

Luke is also a contributor to The New York Times for its F1 special reports, and has previously worked with Al Jazeera and CNBC, as well as hosting FIA press conferences. Outside of F1, Luke is a fan of sports and music, with an ever-growing vinyl collection, and has being bitten by the running bug in recent years. He also runs a surprisingly popular blog reviewing the often-terrible media centre coffee from his F1 travels.