FIA launches ‘EveryRace’ campaign 24 Apr 2008
Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has launched an official campaign against discrimination and prejudice in the sport. It follows the racist behaviour displayed towards Lewis Hamilton by a small number of spectators at a test session in Spain earlier this year.
The FIA said it agreed with the conclusion of Spanish motoring authority, the RFEA, that the incidents were “not at all representative of the thousands of people who enjoy a convivial atmosphere and the spectacle offered by motor sport” and the ‘EveryRace’ campaign highlights the commitment of both bodies to the principal of sport being open to all.
The initiative has the support of the Formula One community and fans around the world are encouraged to visit www.everyrace.net and take the opportunity to pledge their support for the campaign’s message that motorsport welcomes everyone, irrespective of gender, race or background.
As part of the initiative, the FIA commissioned award-winning photographer Darren Heath to shoot a series of portraits of members of the Formula One community. At the 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix more than 50 team representatives sat for the ‘Faces of Racing’ portraits, which can now be seen on the ‘EveryRace’ website.
Here is just what a few of Formula One racing’s famous names have had to say about the campaign:
“Since I started in motor racing I’ve worked with people from all over the world. We are all here to go racing and prejudice will never play any part in that.”
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
“I believe that motor sport, like all other sports, is about freedom of expression in the pursuit of competition and excellence. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
“The whole Formula One community should get behind this campaign. Formula One is a global sport and we should use it to promote equality wherever we can.”
Felipe Massa, Ferrari
“We should celebrate the diversity in motor sport. I am proud to be part of the global community that makes up Formula One.”
Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren
“Ever since I’ve been old enough to understand the meaning of the word racism, I’ve known it is wrong. For racism to exist in 2008 is totally unacceptable. This worthwhile campaign from the FIA shines a spotlight on something that sensible people everywhere should take for granted.”
David Coulthard, Red Bull Racing
“One thing that most attracted me to motor sport was that nobody cared about your background, race, gender or religion; all that mattered was how quick you were.”
Max Mosley, FIA President
“The sport is all about a driver’s ability and this will never have anything to do with their race or the colour of their skin.”
Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One Management CEO
“The EveryRace campaign launched by the FIA is a great means to raise awareness. Formula One is a global and multi-racial sport, there is no place for prejudice. The ING-Renault F1 Team is proud to take part in this initiative.”
Flavio Briatore, Renault team Managing Director
“We applaud the FIA’s decision to launch an anti-racism campaign and we will support it in whatever way we can.”
Ron Dennis, McLaren Group Chairman and CEO
"We confirm our positive and emphatic commitment to diversity and equality. Discrimination and any form of racism cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Such behaviour is unacceptable in everyday life, in professional life and in the world of sport."
Norbert Haug, Mercedes Benz Motor Sport Vice President
“We applaud the FIA’s efforts. Racism has no part to play in any sport, let alone motor racing.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing team principal
