During the hectic year that the world of sports had to face in 2020, Formula 1, aware of the different situations of social change, created the #WeRaceAsOne movement to support causes that drivers and fans demanded from the category to urgently use the important platform and raise awareness.

“On our return to racing in 2020 we wanted to recognize the two major issues dominating society’s consciousness during that time, COVID-19, and inequality,” they said.

“Throughout the season we paid tribute to people around the world for the incredible strength and fortitude shown against the global pandemic. The rainbow was chosen by Formula 1 to sit alongside #WeRaceAsOne as it became a symbol used internationally to bring communities together. Equally we used our restart to show that we as a sporting community stand united against racism and are doing more to address inequality and diversity in Formula 1.” Formula 1 stated in the official announcement.

Now, in an official statement, Formula 1 has announced that for the upcoming 2021 season, the movement will be continued, with a specific focus on sustainability, diversity & inclusion, and community.

"We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead"

Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO#WeRaceAsOne #F1 https://t.co/kqxxJQv9W8

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 10, 2021

Also, it was clarified that the rainbow that used to be the symbol of the initiative will no longer be part of the image in the plan this year.

“We plan to include a moment before the start of each race this season to show our united support for important issues and will be discussing this with the drivers and the teams ahead of the start of the season.

“This season the rainbow will no longer feature alongside the #WeRaceAsOne platform. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still an ongoing battle, we are focussing the platform on the three core pillars of our ESG strategy: sustainability, diversity & inclusion, and community.”

 “Additionally, the plan, in partnership with the FIA, looks at promoting a diverse driver talent pipeline by identifying and systematically eliminating barriers to entry from grass roots karting to Formula 1.”

"As set out in our #WeRaceAsOne announcement last year, recent events have reinforced the importance of those issues and the need for us to accelerate and take further action to make our sport better, improve opportunity and have a positive impact on the world we live in.”

This new commitment will see Formula 1, the FIA, and the Teams primarily focus on nine key areas:

→ “Creating a clear path towards sustainably fuelled hybrid engines, something that will be of significant importance to not only the sport but the automotive sector.”

→ “Reducing the amount of single-use plastic bottles and cutlery and food waste in the pit and paddock.”

→ “Rolling out internships and apprenticeships within Formula 1 for under-represented groups to provide access to a promising career in the sport.”

→ “Funding scholarships for talented engineering students from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds with work experience opportunities at F1 and the Teams during their studies.”

→ “Growing F1 in Schools – already the world’s leading school-age STEM education challenge.”

→ “Working with our promoters around the world to establish and deliver programmes that leave a positive and lasting community impact.”

→ “Helping to grow awareness and support for the W Series and the talented young female drivers coming through the ranks.”

→ “Moving towards new freight methods through adapting containers for use on modern aircraft and other modes of transport.”

→ “Continuing to develop our remote operations capabilities where action to date has already eliminated c.70 tonnes of freight being taken to each race.”

Stefano Domenicali, President and Formula 1 CEO, said in the official statement: “Our WeRaceAsOne platform was very effective at raising the awareness of socially important issues and our steadfast commitment to make a positive change. We are very proud of it and the teams have embraced it fully.”

“While our commitment through words to tackling issues like sustainability and diversity in our sport are important, it is our actions that we will be judged on. We have already made good progress on our sustainability plans and you will see strong actions being executed this year across all three of our WRAO pillars.”

“We know we must continue to move forward on these issues and the whole sport is united in doing this in the months and years ahead.”

 It only remains to say, while the movement for inclusion in the category remains under constant criticism for appearing false, forced and incoherent with the actions of the high command to make a race in a country like Saudi Arabia or investigate Lewis Hamilton for using a shirt demanding equality, Domenicali and company only have to stand firm and really convince teams, drivers and fans that the path to seek inclusion and a more humanly globalized championship is authentic, serious and not a facade invented to pretend. We’ll see.