10 signatures reached
To: Stefano Domenicali
#RedFlagForRacism in F1
It's not good enough that every time racism rears its head in Formula 1, its sporting body, teams, drivers, commentators and fans bury theirs in the sand. It's time for change - and in the words of Sir Lewis Hamilton - for action. Recent initiatives such as 'We Race As One' have failed to change the culture of the sport and have been generic and toothless. Instead, we need Formula One Group to take and support real action and to lead by example. Nobody should be subjected to racism - and it's time for all drivers and spectators to say so and to be supported by F1 stepping up to the plate. It's time to give Racism the Red Flag in Formula One. We therefore call on The Formula One Group and Liberty Media to commit to and lay out a targeted plan of action to make the sport more equitable and inclusive - including tightening codes of conduct and contracting and banning offenders from races. It should give an open and public response to its actions in relation to the The Hamilton Commission and commit a percentage of the sports revenue and profits into a designated 'Red Flag for Racism' campaign that can support targeted action on tackling racism in Formula One in partnership with the teams and the FIA.
Why is this important?
Just like in other sports, Formula One needs to play its part in tackling and removing the stain of racism and injustice from our society. Formula One can play a key role; making it clear it is anti-racist and does not condone racism anywhere within the sport; not through its words but its actions. It has millions of pounds at its disposal and a global audience - it can be a force for good and change. But sitting back, issuing generic condemnations will do nothing. Fans, friends and family of fans, teams, drivers and everyone working in Formula 1 can stand up and demand that Formula One Group and Liberty Media do something to match their public statements.
