FIA bans drivers from making ‘political statements’ ahead of upcoming 2023 Formula One season

The FIA has banned Formula 1 drivers from making ‘political statements’ at race events.

The FIA had previously seen drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel from raising awareness on social justice issues.

Now retired, Vettel wore a tee shirt at the Miami Grand Prix to raise awareness of climate change, and Hamilton has been a prominent supporter of Black Lives Matter, pushed for wider diversity across the sport including behind the scenes, and backed environmental causes.

Such actions will now probably be censured by the FIA, who have changed the international sporting code (the ISC) to outlaw: “The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions.

“Article 12.2.1.n. is changed to enable the FIA to align itself to the practices of other similar international sports organisations such as FIFA, IOC and FIBA on the matter of neutrality by amending the ISC to this effect. This will allow the ISC to widen its scope of application to cover statements/comments in violation of the general principle of neutrality.”

Hamilton has already had disagreements with the FIA over their ban on jewellery, and this alteration may further inflame any disagreements. Vettel however retired at the end of the season and is likely to pay no heed to the change.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has previously addressed the social conscience of some drivers, saying: “Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving. Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and [Lando] Norris addresses mental health.”

Hamilton is set for a renewed attempt to win the Formula 1 championship next year with Mercedes, after missing out on the title for the second consecutive year.

He will face competition from current champion, two-time winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull, while Charles Leclerc of Ferrari may benefit from the replacement of Mattia Binotto as team principal by Frederic Vasseur.