Russell adds voice to FIA free speech controversy

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GPDA director George Russell is the latest F1 driver to voice his concerns over the FIA's decision to ban political activism on race weekends from the sport's field of contenders.

Late last year, Formula 1's governing body voted a new sporting rule that bans drivers from expressing or displaying "political, religious and personal statements" on race weekends, unless previously approved by the governing body.

Several drivers have spoken out on the topic and criticized the FIA's move, which many is aimed specifically at Lewis Hamilton who has used F1's platform in recent years to speak out on racial or equality issues that he believes deserve wider public exposure.

Both Hamilton and McLaren's Lando Norris have said that would be are prepared to defy the FIA's attempt to rein in free speech, while F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also chimed in on the controversial matter, insisting F1 "will never put a gag on anyone".

Russell called the FIA's decision "totally unnecessary", and the Mercedes driver fully supports the views previously expressed by Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton and Norris.

"I am not too sure why the FIA has taken a stance like this," said the director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association on Thursday at Silverstone.

"It is totally unnecessary in the sport and in the world we live in at the moment. I would like to think it has all been some kind of misunderstanding, but on that I am not too sure.

"We are not going to limit our views or thoughts because of some silly regulation. We are all here to have free speech and share whatever views we have."

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

Domenicali has said that he expects the FIA to clarify its position on free speech and on what drivers should or should not be permitted to say.

Russell hopes common sense will prevail, and that the issue will be solved before the start of the season next month in Bahrain.

"I hope and trust it will be resolved before the first race," said the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix winner.

"I can't imagine they want to restrict us from any of our views, this is a part of freedom of speech and we have our right to share our views across whatever platform we wish.

"So I don't see this being a concern moving forward."

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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.