Sebastian Vettel Upset with F1 and FIA for Recent Lack of Anti-Racism Protests

Sebastian Vettel said that F1 and FIA should have done more to promote the fight for equality at the Styrian Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Vettel felt that drivers were “let down” because F1 and FIA failed to take the lead on staging anti-racism protests at the races mentioned above.

The fight for equality did get a clear platform on the starting grid at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix on July 5. There, the We Race As One initiative was pushed.

Lewis Hamilton was upset with the display at the Hungaroring. Vettel supported Hamilton, who pointed the finger at F1 chiefs, the FIA and Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) director Romain Grosjean.

Hamilton felt that the demonstrations in Austria and Hungary were rushed, as no time was allocated in the official schedules for a protest.

Hamilton has since cleared the air with Grosjean and liaised with senior figures to organize a formal stand against racism and discrimination ahead of Sunday’s British Grand Prix.

“It should not be up to us drivers alone,” Vettel said. “We are not organizing the races, so I think it’s not just in our interest.

I think we’ve tried to keep sending a certain message, which we are convinced of is right. But we were, after the first race, let down by FIA and [Formula 1 management], because they didn’t really help us to organize something.”

F1 decided to organize a stand of solidarity against racism on August 2. It saw drivers congregate prior to the British Grand Prix and all wore a t-shirt with the ‘End Racism’ slogan. They were also invited to make a gesture of support.