The traveling circus always grabs all the attention when it visits a town. It’s all mainly because of the stars of the circus which are the drivers in their cars. In recent times, these stars like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have been using this attention to speak about important issues. However, that will soon change after the FIA revamped the International Sporting Code. Moreover, FIA’s present, Mohammed Ben Sulayem is standing by the rule change despite Hamilton’s retirement tantrum.

The seven-time world champion is a champion against social injustice, is a LGBTQIA+ ally, and often uses the platform to talk about issues. However, ever since the rule change, Hamilton will have to take prior permission and by the looks of it, the change is here to stay.

Speaking to the media in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Formula Passion, the FIA president defended the rule change. He said, “We do not want the FIA ​​to become a platform for private and personal matters.” (Translated via Google)

“I think the FIA ​​should be neutral. We need superstars to grow the sport, but they need our approval to deliver certain messages. Otherwise, the commissioners will decide. We don’t want to gag anyone. I myself have my thoughts on certain issues, but that doesn’t mean I have to use the FIA ​​to express them,” he added.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Would Rather Throw $1 Million Penalty at F1 Than Comply to Bizarre New Rules- “Can the FIA Really Stop Him?”

The Brit recently revealed he would consider retirement on one condition. However, if the FIA doesn’t budge on this rule, Hamilton threatened retirement earlier than the F1 world would like.

Lewis Hamilton threatened retirement amidst the FIA free speech ban

The news reached Hamilton’s ears and one can assume the Briton felt targeted. There is hardly anyone as outspoken as him. In his decision’s revolt, the Mercedes man threatened retirement.

Hamilton told the New York Times, “If I can’t defend human rights and I can’t continue what I’ve been doing these years, I’d rather not race anymore.”

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Hamilton is arguably one of Formula 1’s biggest stars. Will the FIA or Formula 1 risk losing him?