
FIA political demand a damaging mistake
F1 News
FIA political demand a damaging mistake

The FIA has taken further steps to muzzle drivers racing in sanctioned competitions by now demanding written permission before they can make political statements during race weekends.
Freedom of speech is a basic human right and although there will be those that welcome the FIA's move to distance sport and politics, there are undoubted negative consequences.
Firstly, there are no boundaries to this ruling. Would the FIA have been required to approve Mercedes' political statement in changing its livery from silver to black in support of 'Black Lives Matter' in 2020?
The wearing of rainbow shoelaces, commonly viewed as a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, would also now likely require pre-written authorisation.
There is certainly a time and a place for statements and political messaging, and F1 and the FIA have been fair with the drivers in recent years by allowing opportunities for such expression while expecting events such as the podium ceremony, to be respected.
READ MORE...FIA issue ban in further clampdown after Hamilton and Vettel statements
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have been two shining examples of how to promote causes in the right ways in recent years.
Although there have been some missteps, with Hamilton causing a clampdown on podium regulations after wearing a t-shirt demanding justice for Breonna Taylor, for instance, the pair have been widely praised for their efforts.
It can only be hoped the FIA does not hold back in approving further campaigning by drivers, whether this is wearing alternate helmet designs, for example, that may carry a cause within its artistry.
FIA protecting controversial F1 events?
It is unclear why the FIA has chosen now as the moment to ban unapproved political messaging, but it is possible one of the motivating factors could be the increase in grand prix venues deemed to be controversial choices.
Bahrain has long been viewed in this category but the recent additions of Saudi Arabia and Qatar have caused eyebrows to be raised.
It has led to suggestions that F1 is being used for sports-washing purposes given the atrocious human rights records of these countries.
Is it also coincidental the FIA has made its move just days after the conclusion of the highly successful but controversial FIFA World Cup in Qatar?
By not allowing the drivers freedom of speech, the FIA is severely limiting the positive change that F1, the drivers and the teams have all expressed a desire to create.
There is no doubt that balancing political messaging without overpowering the sporting competition is a fine balancing act.
But on this occasion and with these actions, the FIA is indicating that money and not ethics come first on its list of priorities.
Related news

FIA chief in firing line again for "unprofessional" snub

F1 and the FIA heading for all-out war?

F1 send furious letter to FIA - president accused of 'unacceptable interference'

FIA hint at new F1 manufacturer entry "as early as next week"
Most read

Alonso: Only Hamilton has Vettel's phone number

F1 LIVE - Striking Alfa Romeo art car at the centre of charity push

Hamilton fired 'Oscars' warning as Red Bull Ford rumours intensify - GPFans F1 Recap

Bottas slates 'controlling' FIA over latest crackdown

Hamilton urged to curb ‘Oscar speech’ antics
F1 Standings

Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Pirelli Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
Grand Prix of Spain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Grand Prix of Brazil 2023
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860