Fia wants to limit political messages - Lewis Hamilton: 'Nothing will stop me from speaking my mind'

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Lewis Hamilton had caused a stir with political statements in the past

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Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton does not want to adhere to the new guidelines of the world automobile association Fia on political messages.

If there is something that needs to be said, he will continue to do so, Hamilton said on the sidelines of the presentation of the new Mercedes for the coming season.

Since last December, the Fia has banned “political, religious and personal statements or comments” from pilots at races in its international sports codex unless they have given their prior written approval for the actions.

Fia President Mohammed Ben Sulayem does not want to offer "a platform for private personal concerns".

The revised definition applies not only to Formula 1 drivers, but to all team members.

Hamilton emphasized that "nothing can stop me from speaking my mind on subjects I'm passionate about."

The 38-year-old has a history of calling for more change in Saudi Arabia, expressing shock at reports of mass executions in 2022 and driving in the Middle East wearing a rainbow helmet in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

"Sport has a certain responsibility to help draw attention to grievances," said the seven-time world champion, who, like Sebastian Vettel, had repeatedly expressed himself politically until the end of his career.

Nothing changes for him.

The majority of drivers have joined the criticism of the new article.

Hamilton's teammate George Russell described the Fia's move as "completely unnecessary" and still hopes that this is a misunderstanding.

"We're not going to limit our views and thoughts with any stupid rules," said Russell, who chairs the drivers' union.

Political messages on the race track have long been prohibited by the regulatory authority in principle.

However, since the beginning of 2020, the association has also permitted gestures in support of the fight against racism at the instigation of Hamilton's drivers.

Now the Fia apparently wants to set a sign that they want to prevent such actions from increasing.

ast/ap/dpa/Reuters