Sebastian Vettel has recently spoken against the FIA’s ban on expressing political and religious statements. According to the new ruling by the F1 drivers could face a potential race ban for impacting the neutral image of the sport.
Vettel retired from the sport in 2022 after 16 years in F1. During his time the German was an outspoken advocate of various social and environmental issues.
Vettel adamantly disagrees with the FIA’s current ruling to curb driver’s freedoms. He joins the list of drivers including Valtteri Bottas, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to speak out against the ruling Authority.
Sebastian Vettel feels taking a stance against certain issues is necessary
Thankfully, Sebastian Vettel feels the FIA amended the decision after he left the sport. As the 4-time World Champion believes, “I would’ve been a little trouble then.”
The former Ferrari and Red Bull driver was well known for being outspoken. His statement T-shirts like the ‘Same Love’ statement he wore in Hungary and his numerous acts to raise awareness of Climate change have brought attention to the topics.
However, the FIA has made it clear that it wants to maintain its principle of neutrality. But Seb believes it’s not right to stay silent regarding some issues. Neither should taking a stand against it being curbed.
He added, “I think it’s absolutely important to take a stance on some issues, and we’ve seen more and more stances being taken in recent years. To steer against it now somehow doesn’t make that much sense.”
Vettel wants drivers to have courage
Sebastian Vettel was one of the few drivers to take a knee alongside Lewis Hamilton. He has openly advocated for equality for the LGBTQ+ community. But had the driver continued in F1 for another season, he would’ve been unable to do so.
Seb feels his opinion on the recurrent matter wouldn’t carry much weight as he has retired from the sport. But he advised his former colleagues, “I wish that the guys in Formula 1 will continue to have the courage to stand up for their opinions and to express them.”
Max Verstappen recently claimed that the move by the FIA was unnecessary. Both he and Valtteri Bottas spoke out against the matter as a threat to drivers’ freedoms.
While the two are apolitical and have barely made a statement during race weekends, both unanimously agree that the FIA must not control the driver’s voices.
