F1 to organize an anti-racism protest in British Grand Prix

Some of the F1 drivers take a knee on the grid in support of the Black Lives Matter movement ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Austria in Spielberg, Austria, July 5, 2020. /VCG

Formula One is expected to organize an anti-racism protest before Sunday's British Grand Prix following criticism of "lacking leadership."

A time will be allocated in the pre-race schedule for drivers to take a knee, or protest however they choose, before the anthem.

Mercedes' six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the only black driver in Formula One now, has taken a knee before all three races this season, and said after the most recent round in Hungary that Formula One needed to show more leadership.

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP takes a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement as drivers gather for the national anthem ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary in Budapest, Hungary, July 19, 2020. /VCG

Speaking to reporters before his home race, McLaren's Lando Norris said there needed to be a coordinated response.

"Some people want to do different things, but we are all in agreement that we want to take a stand and show something in support of what we're trying to do against racism," said the 20-year-old.

"We will have a better structure and better plan in place for next weekend."

In Hungary, only 15 of the 20 drivers attended an unscheduled protest against racism. Eight took a knee, including Norris.

Britain's Silverstone is hosting two races, a week apart, as part of a calendar revised in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The second, also behind closed doors, marks the 70th anniversary of the first world championship grand prix, held at the circuit in May 1950.

(With input from Reuters)