Ahead of the new season, Formula 1 has joined the fight against racism and inequality by launching the #WeRaceAsOne initiative.
In recent weeks the topic has dominated the political agenda globally following the death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis last month.
Protests have been held daily in many areas across the world in a bid to end systemic racism and demand equality through the Black Lives Matter movement.
In F1, six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been at the forefront of its response through his activism on social media, with teams and drivers joining him in solidarity.
And last weekend, the sport's first and only black driver went further by joining protesters in Hyde Park and announcing The Hamilton Commission in coordination with the Royal Academy of Engineers to increase diversity in motorsport.
“The institutional barriers that have kept F1 highly exclusive persist," Lewis was quoted by Reuters.
“It is not enough to point to me, or to a single new black hire, as a meaningful example of progress. Thousands of people are employed across this industry and that group needs to be more representative of society.
“Winning championships is great, but I want to be remembered for my work creating a more equal society through education. That’s what drives me,” he added.
His action has caused F1 to act through the #WeRaceAsOne initiative that it is hoped will offer a platform and a voice in the fight for equality and against discrimination, something the FIA requires through its Fundamental Principles Statutes.
Vowing not to be simply a "theme" that disappears should the news coverage die out, F1 hopes to make a "tangible difference in our sport and society" and will start from the opening race in Austria on the weekend of July 3-5.
At the heart of its message during the first race weekend will be visual displays of support in the fight against racism but before then, F1 will also launch a new Task Force aimed at working with those within the sport and beyond to increase diversity.
In addition, F1 will thank the health workers for their contributions during the Covid-19 crisis with rainbows to be displayed on all cars during the weekend.
“Our first race in Austria at the start of July is a big moment for our sport after nearly four months of no racing," F1 CEO Chase Carey commented.
"While it is an important moment for the Formula 1 community it is also a time to recognise the issues that are bigger than anyone sport or country.
"The #WeRaceAsOne initiative we have launched today, in support of the #PurposeDriven Movement launched by the FIA last week, is our way of saying thank you to the bravery and unity everyone around the world has shown during this unprecedented time.
"It will also be a platform for Formula 1 to come together and achieve results against the most important issues facing us as a sport and the world.
"That is why at our first race in Austria Formula 1 will stand united to say loud and clear that racism must end. We will show our full support in fighting inequality throughout the weekend and accelerate our own efforts to make Formula 1 more diverse and inclusive.
"As a global sport we must represent the diversity and social concerns of our fans, but we also need to listen more and understand what needs to be done and get on with delivering.”
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