F1 CEO Adds Fuel To Fire Opposing FIA Political Statements Ban
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, has made it clear that the sport does not want to restrict drivers from speaking out on personal or political matters. Despite the recent ban on unapproved statements imposed by the FIA in the updated International Sporting Code, Domenicali insists that drivers should be free to express themselves.
The ban has sparked controversy among drivers, with Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas among those who have spoken out against it. Alexander Albon has also admitted that the issue is causing concern among the drivers.
However, in an interview with The Guardian, Domenicali reassured drivers that Formula 1 will support them in their right to speak out on issues that are important to them. He emphasised that the sport does not want to muzzle drivers and wants them to feel free to express themselves.
“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.
“We are talking about 20 drivers, 10 teams and many sponsors, they have different ideas, different views. I cannot say one is right, one is wrong but it is right, if needed, to give them a platform to discuss their opinions in an open way.
Domenicali continued:
“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.
“We are talking about a regulation and the regulator is the FIA. I believe the FIA will clarify what has been stated, in terms of respecting certain places where you cannot do it.
“I am sure the FIA will share the same view as F1 but they are part of an Olympic federation so there are protocols to which they have to abide.”
The F1 CEO also explained that they are keeping communication open with the drivers' to keep them involved. He added:
“We keep monitoring the situation. We keep the drivers informed, we meet with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Associations to discuss it.
“How we can allow the drivers to be open as human beings in our sport. Athletes can be very emotional and passionate about some things and they need to discuss that constructively with people they trust.
“I had a discussion with the drivers about this last year. About how F1 could be a platform, to have a spotlight on certain things we believe are right to talk about.
“F1 should help the drivers if they want to discuss certain subjects. It is important to have a very constructive dialogue. If this is not happening it can create either confusion or problems where there need not be problems.