Lewis Hamilton insists 'nothing will stop' him from speaking out
Lewis Hamilton insists ‘NOTHING will stop’ him from discussing major issues despite the FIA clamping down on drivers making political statements – and insists F1 has ‘a responsibility’ to speak out
- Lewis Hamilton insists the FIA’s new rule change won’t stop him speaking out
- The sport wants to stop drivers making ‘political, religious or personal’ remarks
- The seven-time world champion explained the rule change wasn’t a ‘surprise’
Lewis Hamilton is set for a collision course with the FIA after telling Formula One’s governing body that he will not be silenced.
The FIA has recently updated its rules to prevent drivers from making ‘political, religious or personal’ remarks without prior approval.
Their controversial clampdown comes after drivers – including seven-time world champion Hamilton and the recently-retired Sebastian Vettel – have spoken out on issues such as racism, diversity and the environment in recent seasons.
However, the sporting federation, and its under-fire president Mohammed ben Sulayem, has attracted a backlash for the new law, with a growing number of the grid venting their frustrations.
Earlier this week, McLaren’s Lando Norris called for a U-turn and said F1 drivers should not be treated like school children.
Lewis Hamilton has explained that ‘nothing will stop’ him from speaking out on issues he feels deeply about
The seven-time Formula One world champion has previously protested issues surrounding the hosting of races in certain countries
Asked about the FIA’s move to effectively gag the drivers, Hamilton, 38, said: ‘It doesn’t surprise me.
‘But nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I am passionate about and the issues that there are.
‘I feel the sport does have a responsibility to speak out on things and raise awareness on certain topics, particularly as we travel to all these places, so nothing changes for me.’
Amid ongoing tensions between Formula One and the FIA, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali recently said he ‘will never put a gag on anyone’. He also said he expected the FIA to clarify its position.
As it stands, Hamilton, who last season clashed with Ben Sulayem over the wearing of jewellery in the cockpit, would face a sanction from the FIA if he opposes its contentious rule.
‘It would be silly to say that I would want to take penalty points for speaking out on things,’ added the Mercedes driver at the team’s Silverstone launch.
‘But I am still going to be speaking my mind. We have this platform and there are still a lot of things that we need to tackle.
‘The support of Stefano has been amazing and all the drivers are very much aligned on freedom of speech.’
The PA news agency understands that guidance regarding the implementation of changes to the FIA’s International Sporting Code would be provided to the grid’s 10 teams in the coming days.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell (right) also questioned the FIA’s latest rule change
Mercedes have unveiled their new livery for the 2023 season as they return to their previous striking black design
Hamilton believes Formula One has a ‘responsibility’ to highlight issues around the world
However, Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell – who also acts as a director for the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association – said: ‘I am not too sure why the FIA has taken a stance like this.
‘It is totally unnecessary in the sport and the world we live in at the moment. We are not going to limit our views, or our thoughts, because of some silly regulation.
‘We are seeking clarification from the FIA and I hope it was a misunderstanding and trust it will be resolved before the first race.
‘I cannot imagine that they would want to restrict any of us from our views. It is about freedom of speech and we have a right to share our view across any platform that we wish.’
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