FIA Bans F1 Drivers From Making Political And Personal Statements In Formula 1

The new rules have implications. A governing body with a vested interest in its sporting events running smoothly and without controversy- or a critical eye- can now oversee what drivers say when they have the most significant amount of reach. At the height of his Grand Prix fame, Lewis Hamilton’s voice was heard worldwide when he knelt on the grid.

FIA oversight would surely not have allowed for such a display in the middle of one of the greatest moments of tension in recent American history. The murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor (allegedly, again for legal reasons) were and are examples of long-standing political issues surrounding race, policing, and equality across the globe, but especially in America, where Formula 1 has reached new heights of popularity.

To moderate statements from the sport’s most public faces- its drivers- will have lasting implications for the FIA ​​and Formula 1. The FIA ​​has not said what penalties, if any, will be levied if someone were to violate Article 12.2.1.n.

We’ll voice our opinion in due course, but enjoy the comments section for now.