F1 drivers ‘need clarity’ on ‘confusing’ free speech clampdown says Alex Albon ahead of 2023 season

In December, the FIA revealed that “personal, religious and political statements” cannot be made, unless written consent has been given.

In 2020, Formula 1 introduced the ‘WeRaceAsOne’ initiative which showed the sport’s push for diversity, but this was dropped last year.

“One of the main things that I took from it was more the clarity of the situation, because it seems quite a broad subject,” said Albon at the launch of Williams’ 2023 car.

“As we know, politics and stances, it seems it’s a very sensitive area. So we need clarity from the FIA on what they’re trying to tell us.

“On a personal side it is somewhat confusing, actually. I think for you guys maybe it’s the same.

“But of course we were very much for WeRaceAsOne and all these kind of situations. Now it seems like Formula 1 or FIA are trying to go away from that.”

It’s not known what consequences, if any, there will be if a driver breaks the new FIA rules during the season, which begins with the Bahrain Grand Prix from March 3-5.

Last week, defending champion Max Verstappen stated the new regulation was “a bit unnecessary” and Albon said the drivers “are all concerned”.

“They [Formula 1 and the FIA] need to be open in dialogue about what they’re trying to do,” he added.

“But of course we need to be able to speak freely to some extent. I’m sure we’re going to get clarity later on what they’re trying to say.

“With who we are, and the media, and the engagement that we have to our fans, and to people who work in Formula 1, a lot of people come to us and look at us as spokespeople for issues around the world.

“I do feel like it is a responsibility for the drivers to make people aware of these kind of situations.”