Formula 1 drivers must not use the platform provided by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to make statements for their own “personal agenda”, the sport’s governing body said. sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on Tuesday.
Formula One drivers will need prior written authorization from the sport’s governing body to make a “political, religious and personal statement” from next season following an update of the International Sports Code.
Unless the FIA approves it in writing, motorists making such statements will now be breaking the rules.
“We’re interested in building bridges. You can use sport for peaceful reasons… But the one thing we don’t want is the FIA as a platform for personal agendas,” he said. Ben Sulayem told reporters.
“We’re going to move away from the sport. What do drivers do best? Drive. They’re good at it, and they’re in business, they perform, they’re stars. No one is stopping them. .
“There are other platforms to express what they want. Everyone has this and they are most welcome to go through the FIA process, to go through that.”
Former champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are among a number of famous drivers who have made such statements in recent seasons.
Hamilton has fought for human rights and racial equality, and addressed LGBTQ+ rights in conservative countries like Saudi Arabia, which has hosted two races since 2021.
Vettel, who retired last year, highlighted issues ranging from LGBTQ rights to climate change.
Ben Sulayem dismissed the notion that the FIA was shutting down drivers, saying he wanted to “improve and clean up” the sport.
Ben Sulayem, a former driver from the United Arab Emirates, said: “I have my own personal affairs, OK, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to use the FIA to do it. .
“I believe the FIA should be neutral. We need superstars involved to make this sport.
“If anything, you have to ask permission. Otherwise, if they make any other mistakes, like speeding in the pit lane. If you do that, you’ll get very clear.”
