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Formula One continues #WeRaceAsOne initiative but drops rainbow

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Fireworks go off as race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB16 crosses the line during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 13, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Fireworks go off as race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB16 crosses the line during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 13, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Photo by Bryn Lennon

The #WeRaceAsOne initiative which was launched by Formula One last June is to carry on through the 2021 season although the rainbow symbol is being dropped, the sport announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The initiative was introduced last year as a way for the sport to acknowledge some of the biggest issues facing motor racing and the wider world, notably Covid-19 pandemic and inequality.

For 2021, the campaign will focus on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community.

"Throughout the season we paid tribute to people around the world for the incredible strength and fortitude shown against the global pandemic," said the statement.

"The rainbow was chosen... to sit alongside #WeRaceAsOne as it became a symbol used internationally to bring communities together.

"This season the rainbow will no longer feature alongside the #WeRaceAsOne platform."

The statement said there would be a "moment before the start of each race" this season for drivers and teams to show their support for "important issues".

"Our WeRaceAsOne platform was very effective at raising the awareness of socially important issues and our steadfast commitment to make a positive change," Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1.

"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."

The 2021 calendar includes races in various countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan which have all been criticised internationally for their records on human rights.

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