Motor racing-F1 drivers barred from political statements unless approved

This file photo taken on April 14, 2019, shows drivers setting off at the start of the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, China. (Photo: AFP)

LONDON: Formula One drivers will need prior written permission from the sport's governing body to make 'political statements' from next season following an update of the International Sporting Code.

The 2023 version of the code, which applies to all series sanctioned by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), was published on the governing body's website with changes highlighted.

The FIA added a new clause regarding "the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its statutes."

Drivers who make such statements will now be in breach of the rules unless the FIA has granted previous approval in writing.

Mercedes' seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, and now-retired four-times champion Sebastian Vettel, have been among those making political statements at races in recent seasons.

Hamilton, who has been an outspoken campaigner for human rights and diversity, wore a black T-shirt at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix with the words "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" on the front.

The shirt also had a photograph of the Black medical worker, who was shot dead in her Louisville, Kentucky, apartment by police officers, with "Say her name".

The FIA set out new pre- and post-race rules for driver attire after that incident.

Second place qualifier Sebastian Vettel, left, of Germany and Ferrari and pole position qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP pose for a photo in parc ferme during qualifying for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on Oct 20, 2018, in Austin, Texas, the United States. (Photo: AFP)

Hamilton has also called for more change in Saudi Arabia, saying this year that he was shocked to hear of mass executions, and has raced in the Middle East with a rainbow helmet in support of LGBTQIA2S+ rights.

Vettel used his platform to highlight issues from LGBTQIA2S+ rights to climate change. This year he wore a shirt proclaiming 'Stop Mining Tar Sands' and 'Canada's Climate Crime' at the Canadian Grand Prix.

In 2021 he wore a rainbow-coloured T-shirt in Hungary with the message 'same love' to protest anti-LGBTQIA2S legislation.

An FIA spokesman said the update was "in alignment with the political neutrality of sport" as enshrined in the International Olympic Committee code of ethics.