We have already talked about the FIA’s recent tweak to the International Sporting Code. The tweaks have raised a lot of concern in the F1 community, which includes outspoken people like Lewis Hamilton. This tweaking of the rule has added an extra layer of concern for religious drivers like Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez.
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For the unaware, the regulation now states drivers can’t make political or religious statements without prior permission from the FIA. The FIA is yet to make the penalization for the infringement of the rule clear. However, an educated guess would be an extra point in the penalty points system, which results in an automatic race ban.
The penalty points system was already a concern for Gasly as he is walking a tightrope with 10 points. Now, British presenter Will Buxton has pointed out Gasly’s pre-race ritual that might earn him a penalty point. Pierre Gasly signs a cross before every race. If they penalize him for the same, Gasly will get a ban right after the first race.
Will Buxton portrays the question via Twitter, “Will Gasly pick up his race ban as soon as Saudi? After the controversial changes made to the ISC yesterday, it’s unclear whether his pre-race ritual of making the sign of the cross is now banned as a religious act. Have sought clarification from the FIA.”
Read More: Lewis Hamilton Takes On the FIA Over Controversial Ban
The FIA is slowly doubling down on the rules, as we saw the jewelry saga unfold. Now this change in the ISC regulations is already a topic of discussion on Twitter.
Will Buxton points out the Pierre Gasly angle as fans showcase their anger toward the regulations
Will Buxton’s Tweet about Gasly has started a conversation among the fans. This made one fan also point out Sergio Perez’s Mary card in his car.
Does that rule mean Perez can’t have the Mary card in his car now too?
— Jack Stapleton (@Jackastapleton) December 20, 2022
Will they ban that as well? We’re not sure! Neither are the fans on Twitter as they communicate their frustration.
Who defines what constitutes a religion and the rituals associated with that religion then?
— André Somers 🇪🇺💜 (@AndreSomers) December 20, 2022
A fan rightly pointed out the need for some individuality and said, “It’s a sport not a prison” in their tweet.
Sulayem thinks the sport is his back yard kindergarten. The players should be allowed some individuality. It's a sport not a prison.
— MoMpiira (@maureen_mpiira) December 20, 2022
Telling drivers they cannot express their honest opinion is it self is political . If this is the case FIA cannot even race on certain venues due to political agendas going in several countries. FIA is here for race regulation. should focus more on that.
— Sanjuka Karunathilaka (@iamhimanshi0304) December 20, 2022
I like how many people come to the comment section to say the sign of the cross obviously isn’t controversial & is NBD. Because it’s a belief you feel comfortable with &/or share? It’s a great demonstration of one of the biggest issues with this rule.
— HalieW (@ZucchiniCakes) December 20, 2022
He obviously hasn’t realised yet that this new audience of F1 have found it because they love the individual characters and how different they all are – whether they’re jokers or villainous or smart… people don’t just want to see anonymous helmet wearers in cars
— Emma Elizabeth (@emma_elizabeth) December 20, 2022
God save the King? That’s gonna be awkward..
— Thomas (@omegaspur) December 20, 2022
The FIA really needs to get its priorities straight. People respect and even live those that keep the other on track and advance the ball. No one likes the carping hall monitor. Ben Suleyam seems like the latter.
— Christopher Kirchmer (@MnkyBlud) December 21, 2022
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@fia just focus on ensuring f1’s regulations are met through the course of a season or even a single race. you cant even achieve this, you dont need any more silly distractions.
— André R.Pereira (@arodrigues00) December 20, 2022
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A single statement covering the vast topic of religion and politics isn’t enough. The FIA needs to answer a lot of questions.
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