Lewis Hamilton He is one of the most popular drivers on the grid, but not just because of his seven world titles. The Briton has taken advantage of the Formula 1 to send political messages on more than one occasion, like when he wore the T-shirt with the slogan ‘Black Lives Matter‘ or another with the message ‘Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor‘.
Starting in 2023, the pilot of Mercedes You will not be able to continue doing this unless you have a prior consent by the FIA. And it is that the organism has updated the Sports Code and now no pilot will be able to make a political, religious or personal statement.
The new regulation says the following: “The making and general display of political, religious and personal statements or comments violate the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its statutes.unless it has been previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions, or by the corresponding ASN for National Competitions within its jurisdiction”.
Therefore, no one on the grid will be able to make any type of declaration of these types, unless they previously receive permission from the FIA. It is unknown what sanction could have a driver who does not comply with this, but breaching the Sports Code causes sanctions ranging from a financial fine until missing a race.
Another of the most demanding pilots who sent messages of this style was Sebastian Vettelbut will not be in the Formula 1 the season that comes after retiring this year.