FIA clarifies clampdown on F1 drivers making political statements

The FIA has issued a clarification around its controversial clampdown on political protests in Formula One, insisting any statement at a grand prix would still require permission from the governing body.

In December the FIA updated its International Sporting Code with a clause requiring prior written permission for drivers to make or display “political, religious and personal statements or comments.”

Lewis Hamilton is among the drivers to have publicly criticised this rule change, saying nothing will stop him from speaking out on issues he cares about.

McLaren’s Lando Norris likened the rule to the drivers being treated like school kids, while Williams’ Alex Albon said all the drivers are opposed to the clampdown.

There was confusion over exactly what the rule change did and did not cover, but on Friday the FIA elaborated with more details.

Drivers are free to express themselves in their own time but the FIA has clarified three key areas where drivers are not allowed to make certain statements, as outlined in Friday’s document.

• FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists);

• activities on the track (Course) area or equivalent (e.g., during the Drivers Parade and the national anthem);

• or pre-race / post-race procedures or equivalent (e.g., the podium ceremony, in the cool down room, or at the start- and end-of-season group photos.

This suggests political protests on a race helmet would be forbidden without permission.

Drivers wanting to be given permission for protests outside of this scope must do so in writing four weeks before the event in question.

The FIA also outlined examples of what would be considered a political, religious or personal statement.

In a long list, which the governing body stressed was not exhaustive, political statements included the following in the form of an “image, symbol, gesture, words, or actions.”

• Any politically-associated or politically-sensitive person(s) living or dead (unless part of the official competition name).

• Any local, regional, national, or international political party/ organisation/group

• Any specific political act/ event.

• Any military conflict or political dispute between nations, regions, religions, or communities.

• Any specific ethnic or indigenous communities, or perceived…