Domenicali disputes that Formula 1 faces a problem of racism

Formula 1 director Stefano Domenicali doesn’t think the upper class of motorsport has a problem with racism. The discussion of racism, discrimination and equality was accelerated last year by the violent death of George Floyd and the protests that followed in the United States. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes took the lead in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, kneeling in front of a Grand Prix and painting the car black.

Kneeling before the start of a race is something Domenicali thinks for himself. “Kneeling means something different for everyone, depending on where you are in the world,” he explains in the Daily Mail. “I want to discuss it with the pilots. We don’t want to put too much emphasis on just one gesture. We have a nice big platform going into a race, but we don’t want to maximize that. in a political way. We prefer to highlight the values ​​that are important to the world and Formula 1. “

Such as inclusion, for example. Inequalities also exist in motorsport, Hamilton says. But according to Domenicali, there is no problem with racism in Formula 1. “In any case, I do not live it that way. I have no personal experience with it. Quite the reverse. Formula 1 started in a certain part of the world – Europe – and then spread to the rest of the world. It actually increased the multicultural content of our sport. “

Bernie Ecclestone

Domenicali is thus following the line followed by former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone. Unlike his predecessor Chase Carey, who tried to keep Ecclestone out of the paddock as much as possible, Domenicali seeks regular contact with Ecclestone. They talk to each other almost every week, explained the Italian.

“I get on well with Bernie,” Domenicali continues. “He let me know that I could contact him if I thought I needed any advice. Formula 1 wouldn’t be what it is today without Bernie. He may be a pioneer in the way he is. built this sport. We will not forget. I have a lot of admiration for him and what he has done. There is a paddock card ready for him and I hope he can attend some races. “