F1 bosses have been accused of trying to gag drivers with rules to prevent them from expressing political views following Lewis Hamilton protests
FORMULA 1 bosses have been accused of trying to gag drivers with a rule to prevent them from expressing political or personal views.
World champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are among the contenders who have used their platforms at races to highlight issues.
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But the governing body FIA changed its rules this season to ban any display of “political, religious and personal statements” made “without prior authorisation”.
Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas says the approach is wrong.
He said: “Personally, I don’t like politics. I like doing what I love, which is racing, but at the same time politics is part of today’s society.
“I think Formula 1 has done a good job of paying attention to some of these issues and many drivers have spoken out, including Sebastian.”
“I don’t understand why they want to control us. I think we should have the right to talk about what we want. That’s how I see it, but we’ll see what happens.”
A human rights group has called the new rule “seriously worrying”.
The FIA says the move is in line with the International Olympic Committee’s code of ethics.
https://www.the-sun.com/sport/7275586/formula-one-drivers-personal-political-views-rule/ F1 bosses have been accused of trying to gag drivers with rules to prevent them from expressing political views following Lewis Hamilton protests