Leclerc hits out at racism accusations over not taking a knee
Charles Leclerc has hit out at those suggesting he is being racist for refusing to take a knee before the start of Formula 1 races.
The Monegasque is one of a few drivers who has declined to kneel down during the anti racism protests because they don't feel comfortable doing so – even though they all fully support the campaign.
Leclerc explained his stance in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport – where he said he does not want to kneel because some anti-racism protests have been associated with violence.
"I'm against racism, I fight it and I'm glad F1 is using its platform to show the world the right way," he told the newspaper.
"But I didn't want to do that because there have been many protests all over the world associated with violence, and I don't accept any form of violence. And I don't like a civil protest to be used by politicians."
His comments have been twisted by some to suggest that he does not back the anti-racism push or was against the Black Lives Matter movement, something he has angrily hit back at.
In a series of tweets posted on Thursday, Leclerc wrote: "It is very sad to see how some people manipulate my words to make headlines making me sound like a racist. I am not racist and I absolutely hate racism. Racism is disgusting.
"Stop putting me in the same group as these disgusting people that are discriminating others because of their skin colour, religion or gender. I'm not part of them and I never will. I've always been respectful to everyone and that should be the standard in today's world.
"And to whoever is using my image to promote their wrong ideas, please stop. I'm not into politics and I don't want to be involved in that."
Asked in an official press conference on Thursday about why he had felt the need to speak out, Leclerc said he has got frustrated at people accusing him of being something he was not.
"I just don't want to be judged anymore," he said. "As I have said many times, I am quite active on social media and I do not accept to be called the way I have been called in the last few weeks, negatively obviously, just because of not kneeling.
"That's it. I just wanted to make a straightforward tweet just to express my feelings and that is it."
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Charles Leclerc must "earn that respect back" from Lewis Hamilton, says Juan Pablo Montoya
Why Monza remains F1's eternal test of team bonds
Stefano Domenicali reveals bizarre Jimmy Fallon prank at Miami GP Michelin-starred dinner
F1 closing in on 1 billion fans as Stefano Domenicali hails female audience growth
Williams’ long-awaited F1 upgrade is delivering in Baku – but was Q3 an “overachievement”?
Esteban Ocon fed up after Baku mishap: ‘I don’t deserve all this sh*t’
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
How the chase to catch Mercedes is unfolding
What we learned from Thursday practice at the 2026 F1 Azerbaijan GP
A look at McLaren and Audi's Baku F1 updates
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments