For this new Formula 1 season, the international federation has decided to prevent drivers from making “political, religious and personal comments”. It advances the principle of neutrality, when the pilots see it as an attack on their freedom of expression.
Formula 1 returns this weekend. But no question of making too much noise. Before the first of the 23 grand prix of the world championship, a record, Sunday March 5 in Bahrain, this beginning of the season is (also) marked by a controversy in the paddocks. The FIA, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, has decided to ban “political, religious and personal statements or comments” from the pilots, unless prior approval in writing, in the name of the principle of neutrality.
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Fronds of Formula 1 stars
By inscribing this ban in black and white in its new sporting code, the federation has thus triggered a real outcry. And even the reigning double world champion, the Dutch Max Verstappen, not really known for his extra-sporting positions, expressed his incomprehension: “Everyone should be allowed to express themselves. Some people were talking more than others, yes, but I find this measure a bit unnecessary.”
The FIA justifies itself by evoking the principle of neutrality, but these restrictions are rather experienced as an attack on freedom of expression. Which is not to the taste of Lewis Hamilton, the British driver, who is used to political messages.
On several occasions in recent years, he has defended human rights with messages on his clothes or his helmet, as in 2020, on the podium of the Grand Prix of Tuscany, when the Mercedes driver had, for example, put on a T-shirt. shirt calling for the arrest of officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor, a black woman killed by police in her apartment in the United States. “Nothing will stop me from talking about the things that fascinate me and the problems that have always existed”says the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
“Sport has a responsibility: to speak out on important issues to raise awareness, especially when we travel to these places. It won’t change anything for me”
Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
“Exceptionally and on a case-by-case basis”
Faced with the sling, the FIA has finally slightly revised its copy. According to a note published on its site, the FIA explains that the drivers will be able to “express their opinions on any political, religious or personal matter” In “their own sphere and outside the framework of competitions“, as in interviews on race weekends. In contrast, “during key moments of all motorsport competitions, such as podiums, national anthems and official ‘playing field’ activities‘” pilots will not be able to express their personal views, a spokesperson for the body said, except “exceptionally and on a case-by-case basiss”.
Drivers who do not comply with the ban may be subject to various penalties, ranging from a warning to exclusion, including a penalty on the grid.