‘We should be able to say what we want’ – Lando Norris wants F1 U-turn on free speech

Lando Norris has called on Formula 1 to overturn their controversial plans to ban free speech for drivers.

“I feel there has been quite a bit of pressure and enough said to make a little bit of a U-turn,” explained Norris.

“We should be able to say what we want and what we believe in.

“The penalty [for speaking out] is not clear, but we are not in a school. We should not have to ask about everything and say, ‘Can we do this, can we do that?’

“We are grown up enough to try and make smart decisions. Maybe sometimes people make silly decisions but that happens in life. I hope and believe that enough drivers have said things now to push back a little bit.”

The FIA hopes to clarify any confusion when issuing their own guidelines concerning the new rule in the next few days.

“F1 has made things clear what they think is acceptable and what we should be able to do as drivers and that is what I stand by. We should be able to say what we want and what we believe in,” added Norris.

“If things start to get blocked off and we can’t even talk or say anything, then no-one is going to want to do media because you can’t say anything.

“We need it. We are only trying to help people in the world and give advice and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be able to do that.”

Those comments were echoed by reigning world champion Verstappen, who claimed the regulation was a “bit unnecessary”, while Albon believes F1 and FIA need to discuss ways to clear up the confusion.

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

“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.”