The Austrian Grand Prix marks the start of the 2020 Formula 1 season after a four-month delay caused by the coronavirus. With many sporting events around the world returning in recent weeks, sports stars have been showing a united front in the fight against racism.
Will drivers take a knee at the Austrian Grand Prix?
Taking the knee is one of the common symbols of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The body that represents F1 drivers has said they are united in the fight against racism but that each driver will show support in their own way.
A statement from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) read: “All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion and supporting Formula One’s commitment to these.
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“Together the drivers will all show their public support for this cause on Sunday ahead of the race, recognising and respecting that each individual has the freedom to show their support for ending racism in their own way and will be free to choose how to do this.”
Six-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will have ‘Black Lives Matter’ printed on his helmet for the Austrian Grand Prix.
He will also be driving a black Mercedes with ‘End Racism’ written on the car’s protective halo.
Hamilton is the sport’s only black driver and he has campaigned vocally for equal opportunities and greater diversity in F1.
Frenchman Romain Grosjean, who races for Haas, told reporters on Friday he planned to take a knee before the start.
“I wasn’t a big fan of taking the knee initially, but then I read more about it and I think now it’s a sportsman’s move to show that you are against racism and it’s not linked to any political movement,” he said.
“So personally I think I will take the knee.”
The Austrian Grand Prix gets underway at 2.10pm BST.