McLaren Racing today announced its support for Formula 1’s #WeRaceAsOne campaign, as Formula 1 prepares to become the first global sport to return to action. The campaign focuses on raising money for charities responding to covid-19 and its effects, while recognising frontline workers who are tackling the virus across the world.

At the same time, the team joins Formula 1 in uniting against racism and supporting its increased efforts to improve diversity and opportunity across the sport.

During the coronavirus crisis, the rainbow has been a universal symbol of unity, solidarity and hope, while recognising those key workers putting their lives at risk to save others. The rainbow will be a notable feature on the halos of the McLaren MCL35s and race suits of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, emulating the images seen in millions of households globally.

Ahead of the first grand prix, the team will launch a range of special merchandise, all profits from which will go to the #WeRaceAsOne campaign for charities across the world helping those most affected by the covid-19 crisis.

In parallel, McLaren will stand alongside Formula 1 on the return to track to support its ‘End Racism’ message, which will be carried on both McLaren race cars at the Austrian Grand Prix.

McLaren has also pledged its support to the Formula 1 task force and is already engaged with F1 to help progress the agenda of diversity, inclusion and opportunity across the sport in all its forms, aligning with McLaren Racing’s own redoubled efforts to advance its long-term diversity programme.

The #WeRaceAsOne campaign will go live at the Formula 1 Rolex Grosser Preis Von Osterreich in Austria on Friday 3 July.

Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, said:

“We fully support Formula 1 on the #WeRaceAsOne campaign as we return to racing. Formula 1 and McLaren have a truly worldwide audience, and we recognise that our return to the track is a huge opportunity for our sport to make an impact at a global level, helping those most affected by the covid-19 crisis and standing together against the blight of racism, as we work steadfastly to build an even stronger culture of diversity, inclusion and equality in our team and our sport.”