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The FIA has been criticized for including a clause in its code that prohibits drivers from making “political, religious and personal statements”; Alex Albon previously told Sky Sports News that the driver was “confused” and “concerned”
Last updated: 07/02/23 10:48
Stefano Domenicali expects the FIA to clarify its position
Formula 1 “will not disturb anyone”, the sport’s CEO Stefano Domenicali said in response to the pre-season controversy between the FIA and the drivers.
The FIA updated its sporting code for 2023, inserting a clause that prohibits drivers from making “political, religious and personal statements” without prior approval from the sport’s governing body.
The move was condemned by rights groups and criticized by driverswho has spoken of unhappiness and uncertainty.
Chief executive Domenicali has now responded to criticism from drivers, including Alex Albon, telling Guardian he expects the FIA to clarify its position.
“F1 is not going to bother anyone,” he said.
“Everyone wants to speak, to have a platform to say what they want in the right way, the better. We have a great opportunity because of the position of our sport that is more global, multicultural and multi-valued.
“We are talking about 20 drivers, 10 teams and many sponsors, they have different ideas, different opinions. the way it opens.
“We will not change that approach as a sport. That should be the line of our sport, to give everyone the opportunity to speak in the right way, not in an aggressive or offensive tone but with respect.”
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Sky F1’s Martin Brundle says the number of people watching Formula One today is an attractive prospect for the world’s biggest car manufacturer.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who is the FIA president, said in December that the updated code was “in line with the political neutrality of sport” and followed the guidelines in the International Olympic Committee’s code of conduct.
The FIA was awarded full recognition status by the IOC in 2013.
“I’m sure the FIA will clarify what they have said, about respecting certain places where they can’t do it,” added Domenicali.
“I’m sure the FIA will show the same view as F1, but they are part of the Olympic federation so there are protocols to follow.”
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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.
Alex Albon and Max Verstappen voice concerns about the clampdown
Talk to Sky Sports News, Alex Albon said drivers were “confused” and “concerned” about the regulation change.
“Last year we focused on the We Race As One initiative and I think we did a good job of solving certain problems around the world. We used the profile in the right way,” he said.
“Maybe we’re going to a bit of a controversial circuit, but we’re dealing with a topic in that space that we feel needs awareness.
“It looks like it’s a bit backwards now. There’s definitely a different view among the drivers, the FIA - but also F1. We need to understand and talk about it.”
His comments followed that of world champion Max Verstappen.
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Max Verstappen believes Lewis Hamilton can be in the mix to win the 2023 drivers’ championship if he has a good enough car.
Verstappen said at the time of Red Bull’s launch he was not “expressing it” but said the clampdown was unnecessary because drivers “must be allowed to speak”.
“Everyone is different so some people are more outspoken than others,” Verstappen said. “I’m not usually outspoken – first of all, it’s difficult as a racing driver to be completely honest about everything and make sure you know the facts.
“But I don’t think so [the rule] it is necessary, because in a way that makes sure people are not allowed to speak and I think we should be allowed. Probably a bit unnecessary.”
AlphaTauri is the next team to launch the car, with Haas, Red Bull and Williams already running cars. The full launch schedule is below:
F1 2023: When will the new car be revealed?
| Date | team | location |
|---|---|---|
| January 31st | Haas (launch livery) | Connecting |
| February 3 | Red Bull | New York |
| February 6 | Williams (launch livery) | Connecting |
| February 7 | Alfa Romeo District | Zurich |
| February 11 | AlphaTauri | New York |
| February 13 | Aston Martin | Silverstone |
| February 13 | McLaren | Woking |
| February 14th | Ferrari | Maranello |
| February 15th | Mercedes | Silverstone |
| February 16 | Alpine | London |
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