Taking a knee at Austrian GP discussed by F1 drivers, says Norris

London

Formula One drivers have discussed 'taking a knee' at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, McLaren's Lando Norris has said.

Sportspersons have been taking a knee as a mark of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Britain's Norris, 20, was quoted as saying by BBC: "If we are going to do it, we should all do it as a grid.

"We will do whatever we can to show we care and respect everyone. We will do what is right when the time comes."

Meanwhile, Mercedes will have black-liveried cars in the 2020 season as the world champions aim to make a visual stand against racism and for diversity in the wake of the movement.

Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will race black-liveried Mercedes cars when the former targets Michael Schumacher's record as Formula One returns this week after the 2019-20 season was savaged due to coronavirus pandemic.

Austria's Red Bull Ring in Spielberg will play host to the first race of the season, which otherwise would have been the 11th race on the normal calendar.

Six-time champion Hamilton, who is gunning to equal Schumacher's all-time record of seven titles, stated everyone will have to follow changes put in place by the authorities for the sport to operate successfully in the wake of the pandemic.