Formula 1 has announced an expansion of its #WeRaceAsOne initiative, and will discuss revised pre-race diversity plans with teams and drivers, while the rainbow logo has been dropped.
Prior to the start of each race in 2020, F1 broadcasted an anti-racism message consisting of all of the drivers, before some chose to take a knee on the grid.
On Wednesday, as part of the update of its #WeRaceAsOne movement, it revealed that it will still have a pre-race segment “to show its united support for important issues” and will discuss the exact format with teams and drivers.
The rainbow-inspired logo, which featured the colours of the 10 teams, has been dropped.
The #WeRaceAsOne platform will now become F1’s official Environment, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) platform going forward, which looks to improve upon sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community.
In 2019, F1 outlined its sustainability, diversity, and inclusion strategy, which included a goal to be net zero carbon sport by 2030, as well as establishing a more inclusive and diverse culture.
For 2021, F1, the FIA and the teams will apply focus to a number of areas, including the establishment of a clear path towards sustainably fuelled hybrid engines and the reduction of the use of single-use plastics in the paddock.
F1 will also roll out internships and apprenticeships for under-represented groups and fund scholarships for talented engineering students from under-developed backgrounds.
There is also an aim to grow ‘F1 in Schools’ while plans are being put in place to set up programmes that leave a positive and lasting community impact.
F1 hopes to build awareness for the all-female W Series, which will act as a support category on the F1 roster at certain races this year, as well as promote the FIA Women in Motorsport Initiatives.
In relation to transport, the sport will move towards new freight methods through adapting containers for use on modern aircraft and other modes of transport, and will continue to develop remote operations capabilities which has already eliminated c.70 tonnes of freight being taken to each race.
“Our WeRaceAsOne platform was very effective at raising the awareness of socially important issues and our steadfast commitment to make a positive change,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“We are very proud of it and the teams have embraced it fully. While our commitment through words to tackling issues like sustainability and diversity in our sport are important, it is our actions that we will be judged on.
“We have already made good progress on our sustainability plans and you will see strong actions being executed this year across all three of our WRAO pillars. We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead.”
