The upcoming season’s build-up is in its most delightful stage, with most teams having already served us with breathtaking liveries. The hard work they have put in and the marination of 2023 challengers of respective teams is all the F1 world can talk about. While we are at the subject of talking, another development on the opposite side of the excitement filled spectrum is the FIA’s clamp down on political and religious speech. It has rubbed the drivers the wrong way, and at the helm of opposing it is none other than the torch bearer of rights, Lewis Hamilton and the recent to join him in his resistance is his own teammate.

For people who are living under a rock, FIA revised their policies of the International Sporting Code and imposed a ban on speeches made in official ceremonies pertaining to political, religious or personal sentiments. The sport that emerged in one of the most liberal regions of the world is now imposing a ban which a few drivers have even called “school like” step. Taming the people at the apex of motor sporting will be a tussle and adding another name to the growing opposition is the Grand Prix Driver Association director, George Russell himself.

As quoted by the-race.com, Russell said, “I’m not too sure why they have taken a stance like this. I think it’s totally unnecessary in the sport and in the world we live at the moment. We’re not going to limit our views or our thoughts because of some silly regulation. We’re all here to have free speech and share whatever views we may have.”

Still hoping for an amicable resolution of things, Russell said, “Naturally, we are seeking clarification and I trust it will be resolved. I’d like to think it’s been some kind of misunderstanding, but I’m not too sure.”

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While the Brit hopes and trusts that this matter will be resolved before the first race, his teammate and fellow Britton are “not surprised” by the said development.

Reiterating the “silly” aspect of ban Lewis Hamilton says he can’t be deterred

Lewis Hamilton has been the most vocal man in the paddock in the past years. He never shies away from taking a stand for issues he feels should be expressed using the massive platform and popularity he has. While the political speech gag will affect him and some even feel is directed at him specifically, he says nothing can stop him.

Hamilton said, “But nothing will stop me from speaking on things I feel that I’m passionate about and issues that there are. I feel the sport does have a responsibility still, always, to speak out on things, to create awareness on important topics, particularly as we’re traveling to all these different places. So, nothing changes for me. It would be silly to say that I would want to get penalty points for speaking out on things.”

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Can the FIA take a liberal turn from the harsh ban before the upcoming season goes underway?