F1 News: Valtteri Bottas Hits Out At FIA - "I Do Not Understand Why They Want To Control Us"
Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas has spoken out about the new ruling from the FIA which prohibits drivers' from making political, religious, or personal statements.
The Finnish driver competed in the Race of Champions over the weekend and took the opportunity to speak out on the rule which has been met with criticism, saying that he does not understand why the FIA "want to control us".
During an interview with Swedish publication Expressen, Bottas explained:
“Personally, I don’t like politics. I like to do what I love, which is racing, but politics is at the same time part of today’s society.
“I think Formula 1 has done a good job of paying attention to some of these kinds of issues and many drivers have raised their voices, including Sebastian [Vettel].
“I do not understand why they want to control us. I think we should have the right to talk about what we want. That is how I see it, but we will see what happens.”
Bottas' former Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton has been very outspoken about using his platform to raise awareness and fight against racism and for increased diversity and inclusivity in the sport.
The British driver, who is the first and only black driver in the sport, has said he would "rather not race" than not have the important and difficult conversations. Hamilton was the force behind the driver's wearing "Black Lives Matter" t-shirts and taking the knee before the races during the 2020 season after the tragic death of George Floyd.
Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff recently revealed that he had not spoken to Hamilton about the ruling yet as he is on his winter break, but was sure they would be able to speak about it calmly.
Recently retired Sebastian Vettel also thought it was important to use his platform as an advocate for human rights and to bring awareness about climate change.