F1 will stop taking the knee before races: 'Hamilton and Mercedes aware'

Formula 1 has announced that it will extend funding for the Formula 1 Engineering Scholarship program for underrepresented groups until 2025. In doing so, the sport intends to strive for more diversity.

The program was established last year and has successfully supported ten students so far. The students have now started work placements in their courses at universities in the UK and Italy. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and living expenses during their studies.

With the extension, scholarships will be awarded to ten new students each year. The scholarship is part of a broader program on diversity and inclusiveness. "We don't have to do politics. We have to move from gesture to action," Stefano Domenicali tells Sky Sports News.

Hamilton aware of plans

The F1 boss also confirms that the sport will no longer take the knee before every race. "I think the gesture has been important because we need to respect everyone. Now it is time to move on and take some other action." Lewis Hamilton in particular is heavily involved in fighting against racism as the only black driver on the grid. Consequently, the Briton knelt before the start of every race and discussed this with his colleagues, because there was no unity.

Journalist Craig Slater stresses that Hamilton and his team are aware of the changes. "Sky Sports News understands Mercedes support F1's position. If Hamilton's appetite to fight for racial equality and human rights remain unquestioned, events in Abu Dhabi soured his appetite for racing."