As Attack on Lewis Hamilton Intensifies, “Real Men” in F1 Urged to Step Up

In the past few years, F1 has seen a lot of regulation changes. Although, one of these changes from the FIA about political stands and similar statements has been a bone of contention lately. Several people feel this ruling is to target drivers like Lewis Hamilton who speak out against important issues. Amid debates about this alleged attack and restriction intensifying, some also feel that other drivers should also step up to be outspoken like Lewis.

British Actor Danny John-Jules had a Twitter exchange on this issue lately with a fan. John-Jules cited how “Real Men” in F1 don’t need to be world champions to speak out their thoughts and take a stand. He also questioned who the FIA and F1 are exactly targeting with these restrictions.

Jules said, “The only person I’ve heard make political statements regarding ‘Caring For Others’ is @LewisHamilton. All the others are politically sterile. So who is @f1 targeting And what comment was the last straw that made them bring in this law? ” 

Upon this, a fan replied how having a world championship makes drivers bolder to speak about the dodgy aspects of F1. The fan also pointed out how Sebastian Vettel has done it besides Hamilton.

Though, Danny John-Jules was quick to get back at the fan, saying, “Vettel has four championships. Real men don’t need any championships to ‘Speak Out’. So we still have only Lewis. So what was the offending political statement that he made?” Jules is certainly urging other drivers to step up against this FIA muzzle. While folks like Toto Wolff feel okay with this ruling and are willing to wait out to see the implications.

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The reason for Toto and Lewis being relaxed without any polarizing reaction is that they have spoken with the FIA president. Thus, the Mercedes driver and his boss have got some clarity on how this rule may not make as much of a fuss.

What is the opinion of the Other F1 entities besides Lewis Hamilton on the FIA’s Political Restriction?

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel had been the most active and outspoken on social issues recently. Now with Vettel retired, it leaves the 7-time champion as a lone warrior to tackle the FIA’s new restriction. Or does it?

Several drivers and team bosses have backed the sentiment of how it feels unnecessary to restrict them from saying anything. Lewis’ arch-rival Max Verstappen too spoke about his thoughts on this fiasco. He stated how drivers should be allowed to speak their minds if they are outspoken and feel like expressing themselves.

Even Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has supported Max on this issue. Horner mentioned how drivers are adults and have an understanding of what to say on a public platform. He feels clampdown on one expressing his/her thoughts does not make sense in our democratic society.

Former Red Bull driver and Hamilton’s friend Vettel certainly do not feel that this rule is right. On one hand, he feels relieved that he is retired from the sport. So this ruling won’t affect him. On the other hand, the 4-time champion is also concerned about his fellow mates in F1.

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F1 entities may be resonating with Jules’ opinion on this FIA muzzle. Although, it ain’t going to cause a huge uproar if Lewis Hamilton, who is the most outspoken, sorts things out. Usually, the FIA and F1, along with all teams and drivers, find a middle ground amid differences of opinion on any fiasco. Do you think this political restriction will end up differently?