Magnussen 'surprised' by FIA ban on drivers’ political free speech

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Kevin Magnussen is the latest driver to weigh in on the FIA’s controversial clampdown on drivers using Formula 1 as a platform for political activism.

The sport’s governing body recently amended its International Sporting Code, adding a provision that bans drivers from expressing or displaying "political, religious and personal statements", unless previously approved by the governing body.

Many believe the restrictions were specifically aimed at Lewis Hamilton who, along with F1 retiree Sebastian Vettel, regularly polarized the public’s attention on race day on causes linked to social injustice, inequalities or climate change.

Hamilton has yet to publicly address the FIA’s move, but Max Verstappen called the new sporting rule “a bit unnecessary” while Alex Albon insisted that all drivers were “concerned” by the governing body’s measures.

Magnussen admitted to being “surprised” by the FIA’s unilateral act of censorship, but the Haas driver wants to hear more from the institution which he says needs to clarify its stance, a view also shared by F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali.

“I was surprised. I still need to understand it, I guess many of us still kind of need to understand what that means,” the Dane told Sky Sports F1.

“I’m from a part of the world, I grew up in a country where we are all free to express our views and religions. [We’re] free to speak our mind.

“I think that’s a value that I appreciate and would like to see in F1 as well. I’m curious to see how that goes and how conversations are going to go.”

Read also:

Domenicali: 'Formula 1 will never put a gag on anyone'

Asked if drivers would defy the measure and continue to openly voice their concerns on political topics, Magnussen reckoned they would.

“Yeah, absolutely,” he said. “But of course, we’re here to race and we don’t want to get penalties imposed on us because of different things. It’s just not great.

“I would like to have the freedom. Not that I necessarily plan to do anything, but just having that freedom is an essential value.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.