The woke nature of the latest generation of F1 drivers has been refreshing to witness. Especially when Lewis Hamilton unites the whole paddock for several social causes, it makes a great impact. But the latest ruling by the FIA in the International Sporting Code regarding political and personal comments may affect its impact. Though as per Hamilton, it would not make a difference to him. The 7-time champion once reiterated how his messaging will keep going despite such restrictions.
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As per Sky Sports, Hamilton spoke about such a restriction back at the 2020 Russian GP pre-race press conference, “I don’t know what they’re going to do this weekend but lots of rules have been written for me over the years, that hasn’t stopped me.”
“But I will do is try to work with Formula 1 and the FIA to make sure the messaging is right. Could it be better? Of course, it could always be better, but that’s part of the learning curve.”
Apparently, Hamilton had worn a T-shirt during the pre-race and post-race formalities at the 2020 Tuscan GP in Italy. This T-shirt was in protest of Breonna Taylor’s demise. While Lewis was trying to raise his voice against inequality and discrimination, the FIA investigated him and, in turn, changed the rules of the post-race podium procedures.
The latest update by the FIA is also very similar in nature. Drivers cannot make any such political, religious, or personal comments. Hamilton may not be too impressed with this agenda to silence and restrict drivers.
The FIA’s reasoning mostly rounds around maintaining the political neutrality of the sport. But is restricting drivers’ free speech the right way to go about it? Though this is not the first time the FIA has introduced such specific rules for the drivers.
How Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and other drivers reacted to Weird Rules by the FIA
Besides the unofficial T-shirts with slogans, the FIA has introduced several weird rules in the past. The most recent one was related to jewelry, and body piercings were banned in 2022. While this restriction has been in place since 2005, it was reiterated at the Australian GP this season.
On this, Lewis Hamilton won several pieces of jewelry at the FIA press conference in Miami. Besides the fun part, Lewis explained how he cannot remove any of his permanent body piercings.
On the same weekend, another warning about drivers’ underwear. The race director did this to ensure all drivers wear all clothing gear, including their underwear as per FIA safety standards. While there was a lot of debate on this issue, several drivers showcased their funny takes on these restrictions.
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Underwear model Seb? 👀
Vettel protests against the rule on drivers wearing non-regulation underwear#F1 #MiamiGP #SebastianVettel #AstonMartin #Motorsport pic.twitter.com/bbQNh7tDcB— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) May 6, 2022
Sebastian Vettel donned underwear over his race suit in Miami. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly also had some quirky comments to make about this monitoring of drivers’ inner garments. Apart from the fun, the drivers still know their obligation to wear fireproof clothing for their safety.
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Watch This Story: Timeline of the Controversial F1 Jewelry Ban causing Lewis Hamilton Face-Off with the FIA
Nonetheless, the political messaging ruling can cause another stir amongst drivers. So as the 2023 season rolls around the corner, Lewis Hamilton and Co. will have their say and thoughts on the same. What do you think about the FIA’s latest ruling?