Formula One Bans Drivers From Making Political Statements At Races

Ryan SaavedraDecember 21, 2022

Formula One’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is banning drivers from making political statements at races without prior permission from the group.

FIA unveiled the new rule in an article to the International Sporting Code, saying that the following is now a violation of the rules: “The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.”

The decision comes after some drivers promoted leftist political causes in recent years, including Lewis Hamilton, who has worn shirts saying, “Black Lives Matter,” “Arrest The Cops Who Killed Breonna Taylor,” and more, TMZ reports. Recently retired driver Sebastian Vettel has worn shirts promoting the LGBT-agenda and leftist environmental causes.

The FIA noted in the statement that the International Sporting Code had been updated to reflect that “political neutrality” is a fundamental principle, a stance also upheld by the International Olympic Committee’s Code of Ethics, according to the statement.

“Additionally as stated in Article 1.2 of the FIA Statutes,” the statement continued, “the FIA shall promote the protection of human rights and human dignity, and refrain from manifesting discrimination on account of race, skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, language, religion, philosophical or political opinion, family situation or disability in the course of its activities and from taking any action in this respect.”

The statement concluded that the organization would also focus on “underrepresented groups” and work toward greater gender and racial representation.