No more a word, a gesture, a writing that is not previously approved by the FIA and that concerns political, personal or religious issues, can be exhibited by Formula 1 drivers. The latest amendment to the FIA's international sporting code represents a sort of weapon against freedom of thought. A censorship that comes like a cold shower at the end of the season in which we said goodbye sebastian vettel, who has exposed himself several times for the protection of minorities, the environment and peace. provocative messages, that they had a great media coverage and which have not been frowned upon by the FIA.
The hard punch of the FIA, for an F1 that doesn't change
Riders will be held responsible for a violation of the rules if they show “La generalization and the display of political, religious and personal statements or comments, in particular in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA in accordance with its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions or by the competent ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.” This is the content ofarticle 12.2.1, arrived after the last few years, in which Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel they brought battles "of others" to the track. Exposing themselves to criticism and greater risks than a simple fine. The German pilot he will no longer be on the grid from next year and wondering if the two things are related is more than legitimate.
No message to protect minorities, no unconventional gestures. Because basically that's just a place where you run, let alone if there are people who would like to feel represented, you know, in such an environment. The decision to leave politics out of this world, from sport, does not only concern motors but all categories in general. It is a rich and complex but important discussion. We still have the latest example under our eyes, with the World Cup in Qatar. Sport is communication, sharing. There are positive as well as negative examples. There have been episodes in which important values and messages have been conveyed through sport.
We Race(d) As One…
Athletes embody values that "real" politics very often trample on. They represent a much larger slice of the public, they are a role model for the younger generation. Denying him the possibility of doing so with a further ban is a moral slap to all those to whom F1 has tried to offer the "We Race As One" campaign in recent years. A real marketing product to "promote" inclusion and diversity only in those countries where inclusion already exists, not caring about those where diversity are not respected.
Further changes
As a further change, the FIA wanted to lock down market movements between the team and the presidency. “A Competitor entered in an FIA Championship may not employ or use the services of a former President of the FIA or a former Vice-President for Sport of the FIA until 6 months have passed from the date on which he ceased to hold the office of President or Vice President for Sport. And in any case the said Competitor may not, without time limit, obtain, benefit from or use confidential information obtained from a former President of the FIA or former President Delegate for Sport of the FIA during their term of office. "
Source statements: Motorsport.com
