Lewis Hamilton has come under the target of a new ruling by the FIA. According to a recent rule change, drivers are now barred from displaying political, religious and personal messages. This has been amended based on the FIA’s general principle of neutrality.
F1 drivers will now need written consent to make a statement. Failure to do so will result in the driver being banned for a race or seeing them face stringent disciplinary action.
This means Lewis Hamilton’s stand against racism and social issues could, or Sebastian Vettel’s stance for LGBTQIA+ rights and climate change wouldn’t be tolerated. And fans and Pundits are not pleased by the body’s latest ruling.
Will Buxton side with Lewis Hamilton on the Jewellery ban
Lewis Hamilton was earlier targeted by FIA’s ruling to ban drivers from wearing Jewellery. Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, FIA brought hard enforcement to the ban on jewellery and body piercing worn by drivers during races as it can hinder medical interventions.
Hamilton, who has numerous such piercings, was the biggest critic of the “Bling ban.” He adhered to the rules only after a long row with the FIA which he was criticised for wanting to wear.
But one of his critics, F1 presenter and reporter Will Buxton has come out in support of the driver. Buxton has openly stated in his statement that he regrets his stance after FIA decided to ban drivers from making statements.
Buxton has opposed this new ruling stating that “Part of what has made the modern era of racing so endearing to the fanbase is the freedom of its competitors to be themselves rather than corporate robots. By restricting their freedom you alienate their fans.”
The British Presenter has also claimed Perre Gasly’s pre-race gesture of making the cross is now banned as a religious act. This could see the Frenchman pick up a ban as soon as the first race of the 2023 season.
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What next for Hamilton after FIA’s ban on making statements
F1 fans lodged a public outcry against the recent ruling by the FIA. And the bulk of these came in support of 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton who has been known to use the platform to spread messages of social inequality and racism in society and motorsports.
Although Lewis is yet to make a public comment about the statement, his fans have found it to be unsettling. After all, Hamilton has been a champion of the cause and has been an important source of inspiration to many because of his stance.
Hamilton drew attention from officials after he wore a T-Shirt addressing the murder of Black woman Breonna Taylor on the podium at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix. He also wore T-shirts supporting the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd.
The FIA has been quick to take action following such events. Now drivers can only wear their team’s overalls or merchandise during official post-race duties.
It’s a shame that the FIA has taken the route of regulating and moderating the personal opinions of drivers. A driver’s personal choice to raise awareness or generate attention has always united fractions of fans to a united cause.
This would only create a divide between the FIA and fans. Especially in a time when sports washing is rampant and F1 has been ready to race in questionable locations like Middle Eastern states.
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