Lewis Hamilton Wins a Battle Unnecessarily Initiated by the FIA: “Never Put a Gag on Anyone”

The FIA’s rule update about personal, political, or religious comments has got a lot of criticism. Many feel that these restrictions are targeting outspoken drivers like Lewis Hamilton. Even drivers and team bosses have expressed their thoughts about this fiasco. It is termed a “political gag”. Although, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali stated that the sport is not looking to “gag” anyone.

In an interview with The Guardian, Domenicali expressed his thoughts about FIA’s speech restrictions. He stated, “F1 will never put a gag on anyone. Everyone wants to talk so to have the platform to say what they want in the right way the better it is. We have a huge opportunity because of the position of our sport which is more and more global, multicultural and multivalued.”

Stefano referred to how a grid, including 20 drivers and 10 teams, can have different views and ideas. He cited how Formula 1 needs to ensure that their ideas and opinions get an open platform for discussion.

The Italian further added, “We will not change that approach as a sport. That should be the line of our sport, to give everyone the chance to speak in the right way, not with aggressive tones or to offend but with respect.”

It is great to see the F1 boss supporting Lewis Hamilton and Co. amid this fiasco of this political clampdown by the FIA. With Domenicali’s support, Lewis Hamilton may win this battle that the FIA unnecessarily initiated.

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But, this support statement has had an interesting timing with the FIA Top dog Mohammed Ben Sulayem surrendering control of F1’s daily operations. So, the F1 boss may be looking to end all these controversies that have happened lately with the FIA.

How will Ben Sulayem’s Step Back Affect Lewis Hamilton and Co. along with F1’s management?

In a major update, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem will step back from F1’s day-to-day operations. Nicolas Tombazis will fulfill Ben Sulayem’s responsibilities by stepping in his shoes. Although, what does this mean for all the recent fiascos and the alleged civil war between motorsport’s governing body and Formula 1?

The timing of Stefano Domenicali’s statement with this FIA change may be a coincidence. Nonetheless, the F1 boss may want to coordinate better now with Tombazis and his fellow sporting Steve Nielsen. Naturally, neither party wants these political speech restrictions or any other disagreements.

Therefore, in due course, we may see stakeholders from both the FIA and Formula 1 meeting on a middle ground. It may not happen overnight. Still, Hamilton and his fellow drivers may get their wish about the political “gag”. If things go right, an overturning or easing of the political clampdown is possible in the next few months.

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With the new season due to start, Domenicali would hope to make a fresh start with the new FIA stakeholders. We hope that the recent civil war between the two parties also gets a resolution in due course. What do you think about the F1 boss supporting Lewis Hamilton and Co. in this battle with the FIA ruling?