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F1’s governing body said drivers can “voice their views on political, religious or personal issues” in their “private spaces” but will face sanctions if they break the law while on track; The FIA said it could allow some statements in “exceptional circumstances”
Last updated: 17/02/23 16:35
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, said drivers would be allowed to make political statements only in “exceptional” circumstances after seeking to clarify the controversial new law.
Sports federations recently updated their rules to prevent “political, religious or personal” comments without prior approval.
However, the FIA has drawn fierce backlash from some drivers – with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton this week insisting he will not be silent, and Lando Norris accusing F1 authorities of treating drivers like schoolboys.
In an attempt to clarify the law – which threatens to cast a shadow over the new season – the FIA has responded with a three-page document sent to the 10 teams on Friday.
The document says drivers can still “express their opinions on political, religious or personal issues” in their “private space”, and outside the race, through social media channels or during interviews.
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says he will continue to use his voice to highlight social injustice despite FIA rules preventing drivers from making political statements.
However, drivers will face sanctions if they break the law while on track – such as during the national anthem before a race or on the podium.
However, in an apparent step to reduce the growing unrest, the FIA said that in “extraordinary” circumstances “it may authorize participants to make statements in international competitions that will be banned” with a request submitted four weeks before the event.
It added that drivers must “provide reasons why the permit should be granted”, and each request will be judged on a “case-by-case basis”.
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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell completed a test drive in the Mercedes W14 at Silverstone and both are excited ahead of the new Formula 1 season.
F1’s controversial free speech rules: What did Hamilton and the drivers say?
Hamilton, speaking at the launch of the Mercedes car for the first time on the subject, told Sky Sports News that he would “100 percent” still use the platform to highlight the problem.
“This issue is still very important to talk about,” Hamilton said.
“I think we’ve come a long way. I think we’ve seen good progress, but there’s still work to be done and we’re still going to places where there are still problems and I know there’s work to be done there too. It can take time.
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Haas driver Kevin Magnussen admitted he was surprised the FIA was seeking to clampdown on drivers making political statements and said the ‘freedom’ of speaking openly was important.
“I will continue to be me and continue to fight for the things I want. I will not let anyone stop me.”
Hamilton added to the rules: “It doesn’t surprise me. But nothing will stop me from speaking about the things that I feel that I am passionate about and the problems that exist.”
It is unclear what the penalties are for drivers who fail to obey the rules.
“I think it’s silly to say that I want to take extra penalty points for talking about that,” Hamilton said.
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Williams Racing driver Alex Albon wants clarification from the FIA on political statements because he believes drivers use their voice in the right way when dealing with certain issues.
“But I will still speak my mind and because we still have this platform, there are still many things to do.”
Drivers have been in unison in unhappy that passed the rules.
Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell, director of the GPDA, said it would be changed before the opening race in Bahrain in two weeks, while fellow British driver McLaren’s Norris said: “I think there has been pressure and pressure. Enough said for there to be a U-one.
“F1 has clarified what is acceptable and what we have to do and I believe we should be able to say what we want and what we believe.
“We’re not in school and we don’t have to question everything, and say, ‘Can we do this?’ and ‘can we do that?’ We are mature enough to make smart decisions.”
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