Sebastian Vettel, the Aston
Martin driver, expressed astonishment at Formula One’s decision to discontinue
the pre-race slot for taking the knee. Vettel said the decision may have been
taken for business reasons.

Also Read: F1: FIA aware of Michael Masi’s controversial act at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Vettel also said the drivers
had not been consulted before taking the decision.

According to Sky Sports,
Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali had earlier this week said that
the sport would no longer set time aside for drivers to take the knee ahead of
races, as it looks to introduce more concrete actions to combat racism.

Also Read: Lewis Hamilton returns to social media after controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix loss

The drivers typically used
the pre-race moment, introduced in 2020, to support causes of their choice or
Formula One’s broader “We Race As One” diversity, inclusion and sustainability
platform. The movement had started after a Minneapolis police officer pressed
his knee on black man George Floyd’s neck. Floyd was killed in broad daylight
on the street.

“The issues that we are
tackling are not going to be gone within two years,” said four-times champion
Vettel ahead of the launch of his new 2022 Aston Martin challenger.

Also Read: Lewis Hamilton vs George Russell: A battle between Mercedes’ present and future

“Therefore I was a bit
surprised. Probably it was getting a bit too strong and too individual for the
business side of it.”

Domenicali said the “We Race
As One” platform would continue with a video that preceded drivers taking the
knee still being broadcast and branding for the initiative visible at race
tracks.

Also Read: Formula One finale to be reviewed by FIA for future lessons

Vettel, like seven-time
world champion Lewis Hamilton, is a staunch advocate for social justice, racial
equality and environmental sustainability. He was among those to kneel.

He hoped drivers would still
find a way to display their support for the issues they cared about.

“I hope that as drivers we
find a way to get together and find a slot for still expressing topics that are
important to us,” said the 34-year-old.

Also Read: Lewis Hamilton knighted by Prince Charles days after F1 title loss

Vettel, meanwhile, said he
believes Michael Masi should remain in his role as FIA race director.

Masi’s position is under
intense scrutiny after he was accused of bending the rules to allow Max
Verstappen the chance to beat Lewis Hamilton to the title following a late
safety car period in last season’s finale.