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.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
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.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 25, 2022 AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly during a press conference ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
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.
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?
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.
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.
God save the King? That’s gonna be awkward..
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.
@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.
A single statement covering the vast topic of religion and politics isn’t enough. The FIA needs to answer a lot of questions.
WATCH THIS STORY: Timeline of the Controversial F1 Jewelry Ban Causing Lewis Hamilton to Face-Off With the FIA