The FIA has revealed Formula 1 drivers will be allowed to make political statements in “exceptional” circumstances. In December, the FIA revealed that «personal, religious and political statements» cannot be made, unless written consent has been given.
Ad Since then, most drivers have questioned why the regulation was put in place, with Lewis Hamilton stating he will continue to speak out whilst Lando Norris accused the governing body of treating the drivers like “schoolchildren”.
Formula 1Hamilton promises 'nothing will stop me from speaking' amid FIA ban on political comments15/02/2023 AT 18:35 A document published on Friday, titled Guidance on the Principle of Neutrality (Article 12.2.1.n of the ISC) said the drivers are able to “express their views on any political, religious or personal matter before, during and after the International Competition, in their own space, and outside the scope of the International Competition”.
This means they are free to say what they want on social media and any media activities including press conferences. However, the new guidelines go on to say «participants are not permitted to make political, religious and/or personal statements in violation of the general principle of neutrality during [the] FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists).” Therefore, the drivers cannot make personal, religious or political statements during the anthem ceremonies, driver parade or in photograph sessions.