FIA to allow F1 drivers to make political statements in ‘exceptional circumstances’ after backlash

Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, has issued a “clarification” over protests by drivers in what is widely seen in the sport as at least a partial crash.

The federation was responding to criticism of its new ruling that prohibited the staging of “political, religious or personal” positions without prior approval.

The drivers, led by Lewis Hamilton, have criticized the restriction. The seven-time world champion said he would ignore the instructions, while British colleague Lando Norris of McLaren argued that the FIA ​​should not treat drivers like school children.

So, in an attempt to clarify the matter, the FIA ​​issued a three-page document to the 10 teams.

In it they say that Article 12.2.1.n of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code will continue to allow drivers to ‘express their views on any political, religious or personal matter’ in ‘their own space’, and outside of a race. , through their social networks or during an interview.

However, they underlined the existing rule that political expressions during the national anthem before the race or on the podium are prohibited.

In what amounts to a hoax, and raises potential problems, as drivers exercise their freedom of expression, the FIA ​​said that in ‘exceptional’ circumstances, ‘they may authorize a participant to make a statement in an international competition that would otherwise mode would be prohibited’ through a request issued one month in advance.

They add that a driver must “provide the reasons why such permission should be granted,” which will be judged “on a case-by-case basis.”

This compromise is the result, it seems, of an internal dispute between the hardline FIA ​​president, Mohammad ben Sulayem, and other more moderate voices in his organization.

As Sportsmail revealed, Ben Sulayem recently wrote to teams saying he will play a less involved role in the day-to-day governance of F1 from now on.