Hamilton defies FIA: 'Nothing will stop me from speaking out'

40

Lewis Hamilton intends to continue to speak his mind on whatever matter or issue he sees fit despite the FIA's decision to ban drivers from expressing political views on race weekends.

Formula 1'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.

Max Verstappen called the new sporting rule “a bit unnecessary” while Valttri Bottas, Lando Norris, Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen all spoke out against the FIA's move towards censorship.

Read also:

Norris: FIA free speech ban making drivers 'feel like school kids'

Hamilton had yet to publicly address the controversy, but at Wednesday's presentation of Mercedes's new 2023 car, the seven-time world champion spoke out on the matter.

"It doesn’t surprise me," he said, commenting on the FIA's decision. "But nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I’m passionate about, and on issues that there are.

"The sport does have a responsibility still to speak out, to create awareness on important topics, particularly as we travel to all these different places. So nothing changes for me."

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has requested further clarification from the FIA on what shall or shall not be permitted, and how any transgression shall be handled.

The Italian has also made clear that the sport "will never put a gag on anyone", a stance praised by Hamilton who went as far as to suggest that he would rather take a penalty than remain silent.

"I think It would be silly to say that I would want to get penalty points for speaking out on things," he said. "But as I said, I am still going to be speaking my mind.

"We still have this platform and there are still a lot of things we need to tackle.

"The support from Stefano has been amazing and I think all of the drivers have been very much aligned on freedom of speech."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.