With a rule change for the new Formula 1 season, which bans political protests by drivers during the race, the FIA caused a great deal of misunderstanding in the paddock. Mercedes star George Russell is now also vehemently critical of the new requirement.
Many Formula 1 drivers feel massively restricted in their freedom of speech and opinion due to a change in the regulations. The fact that the pilots should no longer be allowed to send out political messages during the race weekends in the new season annoys many stars of the scene. Mercedes driver George Russell also attacked the FIA, which passed the rule at the end of last year.
“I’m not sure why the FIA has taken this stance. I think it’s completely unnecessary in this sport and in the world we currently live in,” rumbled Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate in a media session, adding: “I don’t understand why this rule was even formulated. We live in a free speech world and if anyone wants to share their thoughts or opinions then they have the right to do so.”
Formula 1: Russell does not believe in misunderstandings
A clear sign from the Englishman, who announced that he would work to abolish the regulation in the near future: “I am sure that the situation will be clarified and I hope and trust that we will find a solution before the first race”. The teams and drivers still have around two weeks to do this before the season opener in Bahrain is scheduled.
“I’d like to believe that there was a misunderstanding, but I’m not so sure. I would be shocked if the FIA didn’t reverse the decision,” adds the World Cup fourth-placed last year.
That there will still be protests and political statements is considered certain. Lewis Hamilton recently announced that “nothing can stop him from speaking my mind on subjects that interest me passionately.” In such a case, there would be a severe penalty, the FIA announced in December.