The FIA and F1 have been at a crossroads on several issues in the past. And currently, while they are at a standstill over Andretti’s potential entry with General Motors’ Cadillac in F1 in 2026, another issue that’s starting to boil up is that of the ban on political expression by drivers through various means either on the grid or in the paddock. This would affect the social messages on several important issues that have been brought to attention by Lewis Hamilton and other drivers through protests. 

The FIA imposed the rule starting this year and would make it mandatory for drivers participating in FIA-run competitions to get their social or political messages approved by any FIA-affiliated body. And rightly so; it has elicited a strong reaction from everyone in the paddock, as well as a rare sense of unity. Team principals have extended their support to the drivers, while the drivers themselves have made it clear that they won’t budge in front of the “draconian” rule by the governing body. 

And despite all of it, the FIA, without any reconsideration, has released a set of penalties that may be imposed on the drivers who may break the rule. RaceFans report the 15 penalties as follows: “Of these, 11 are sporting, and vary from minor sanctions such as lap time deletion in any session, to in-race penalties, all the way up to disqualification, suspension and exclusion. Four non-sporting penalties are also available. These are a warning, a reprimand, a fine and an ‘obligation’ to accomplish some work of public interest,” thus inviting a strong backlash from the fans.

Fans thrash the FIA for its harsh penalties

It’s unbelievable how the FIA has introduced such a rule in the first place, let alone the penalties leading up to disqualification. The ambiguity around what will be political and what won’t be will always lead to conflict and certainly clashes with the fans and drivers. The fans expressed their disbelief over the current state and management of the FIA, calling it an attack on the soul of the sport that caters to over 400 million viewers worldwide.

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Lewis Hamilton’s fans were far behind in backing the other fans. They claimed such regulations have come in to target the Briton, who has been extremely vocal about social causes and won’t budge, as he has made it clear already.

It does appear to be a sad state of affairs, as the restriction will deny drivers their fundamental right to free speech.

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The punishments revealed are unimaginable if imposed. They could have a serious impact on the championship if drivers do break the rules. Will they, however, do so? Unity between drivers will certainly be put to the test now, and the Grand Prix Drivers Association must come together to handle the issue well.