Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen will not ‘take a knee’ before Austrian GP

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen revealed they will not “take a knee” before the Austrian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton, who was demoted to fifth due to a three-place grid penalty, has claimed that division between his fellow drivers over the gesture, which is associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, is further proof of racism in Formula One.

But is understood that at least a quarter of the grid are uneasy about adopting the stance due to the political outlook of the BLM.

“I will not take the knee but this does not mean at all that I am less committed than others in the fight against racism,” said Leclerc, the first driver to publicly confirm his position on the matter.

“I believe that what matters are facts and behaviours in our daily life rather than formal gestures that could be seen as controversial in some countries.

“All 20 drivers stand united with their teams against racism and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, supporting Formula 1’s and FIA’s commitment.”

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen also confirmed he will not take a knee before the season opener in Austria.

The Dutchman wrote on Twitter: “I am very committed to equality and the fight against racism. But I believe everyone has the right to express themself (sic) at a time and in a way that suits them.

“I will not take the knee today but respect and support the personal choices every driver makes.”

During a tense virtual meeting of all 20 drivers at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring earlier this weekend, the topic of taking a knee was discussed. But the drivers failed to reach a unanimous conclusion.

The teams are set to leave their drivers to make up their own minds, while the FIA insists it is not the job of the sporting federation to instruct the drivers on what is essentially a political decision.

But the divided grid could leave the sport in the embarrassing position of some drivers taking a knee, and others not, in the minutes before the first global sporting event of the Covid-19 era.

All drivers have agreed to wear End Racism t-shirts when they line up for the Austrian national anthem. A banner displaying the same message will also be prominent.

Hamilton was dealt a blow ahead of the race, with the world champion demoted to fifth on the grid following a yellow flag infringement in qualifying.

Hamilton was cleared of the offence last night – failing to slow down sufficiently after team-mate Valtteri Bottas ran off the track – only for Red Bull to launch a protest against the decision.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team have set up for him to take the three-place grid penalty, with Verstappen bumped up to second. British driver Lando Norris was promoted to third in his McLaren and Red Bull’s Alex Albon fourth.

Official confirmation arrived 40 minutes before the race, with the stewards saying fresh evidence had been reviewed in Sunday’s protest.

“The new video footage clearly shows that a yellow light panel was flashing on the left side of the track in turn 5,” read the FIA statement.

“A green light panel was flashing at the end of marshalling sector 9. Taking into account these facts, the Stewards determine that the decision will be reversed and the penalty (three-place grid drop) is being imposed.”