Lewis Hamilton made a powerful statement of intent as the Formula 1 season finally got under way at the Austrian Grand Prix.
www.bbc.co.uk
Lewis Hamilton made a powerful statement of intent as the Formula 1 season finally got under way at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The world champion was fastest in both practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring, leading team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
Mercedes have repainted their cars black, a
new livery reflecting support for anti-racism and diversity.
The season is starting four months late after coronavirus laid waste original plans and forced a complete re-think.
Beyond eight races in Europe scheduled over the next 10 weekends, the shape of the rest of the season remains in flux, as a result of the differing impact of coronavirus around the world.
To restart the championship, F1 has taken a series of measures to minimise the risks with coronavirus, with social-distancing protocols and a testing programme.
And the sport is making efforts to promote diversity as a result of the increased profile of the fight against racism following the global protests that were precipitated by the death of African-American man George Floyd in police custody in May.