FIA issues F1 driver expressions clampdown clarification
The FIA has clarified its crackdown on political and personal statements made towards Formula 1 drivers and what will and will not be tolerated at Grand Prix events.
In a document distributed to teams on Friday, titled “Guidance on the Principle of Neutrality (Article 12.2.1.n of the ISC)”, the governing body has explained how an update to its longstanding International Sport Code published in late 2022 will work in practice if Drivers make personal statements on various topics and topics.
In the document, a copy of which was seen by Autosport, the FIA insists drivers are free to express their own beliefs – but only at certain times and under certain circumstances, which generally cover the time of sporting competition ( Action on the track, the podium and drivers’ parade).
But it reiterates that they still need to seek permission to discuss certain topics.
According to the FIA, drivers are free “to express their views on political, religious or personal matters before, during and after the International Competition in their own space and outside the framework of the International Competition”, for example on social media and during media interviews – including FIA press conferences.
But the clarification of Article 12.2.1.n goes on to state that in addition to the waiver of special statements during the drivers’ parade, national anthem ceremonies, pre-season and post-season driver group photos and on the podium (thus including visual gestures, such as wearing a specific article of clothing ) “Participants are prohibited from making political, religious and/or personal statements during the event that violate the general principle of neutrality [the] FIA press conferences (except in response to direct questions from accredited journalists).”
The FIA has also issued guidance on what constitutes a ‘political’, ‘religious’ or ‘personal’ statement in relation to Article 12.2.1.n.
It states that a breach of rules has taken place if: “The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments, in particular in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously authorized in writing by the FIA for international competitions or by the relevant ASN for national competitions in their jurisdiction”.
F1 race stewards decide on a case-by-case basis whether a rule violation has occurred.
The FIA’s clarification states that an example of a political statement that violates the rules would be a driver not asking permission to discuss “when making unauthorized statements or comments” in relation to “a local, regional or national government or any of its departments, offices”. or functions”.
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
Photo by: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images
The Governing Body states that an example of a violation regarding unauthorized expressions of religion is “anything that is critical of or hostile to the religious or spiritual beliefs of others.”
It clarified that “private, non-proselytizing religious gestures, such as pointing to heaven or crossing oneself, are not considered prohibited religious expressions.”
The “personal” example where a driver must ask permission means “all personal circumstances of the participant.
Participants must not use events as a platform to share personal statements of any kind in violation of the general principle of “neutrality”, which concerns Article 2 of the FIA Statutes (in force since 8 May 1970) and – according to the FIA – the principle is concern about the Efforts made to clarify what drivers can and cannot say at F1 events.
The FIA’s guidelines state that drivers who request permission to make a declaration which would otherwise breach Article 12.2.1.n must do so “at least four weeks before the event in question”, stating: ” Late applications will only be considered by the FIA on an exceptional basis”, with all entitlements granted covering only one F1 event.
Autosport is aware that there is a gray area when it comes to driver’s helmets – obviously very visible during on-track action and comparable to the various European nations who wished their men’s soccer team captains to wear a rainbow ” Wearing a OneLove armband in Qatar.
This was stopped by FIFA, who said isolated sanctions such as a yellow card would be issued if this happened.
For example, Autosport have asked if Lewis Hamilton would like to wear a rainbow livery helmet again at the Qatar Grand Prix again in 2023 and it is understood he would be advised to seek permission to do so as he would otherwise risk violating Article 12.2 to violate. 1.n if not.
Referring to the guidance issued to teams, an FIA spokesman said: “A guidance has been issued to participants in international competitions, setting out the scope of the updates made to the FIA’s International Sporting Code in December.
“The updates reinforce the FIA’s long-standing commitment to protecting the neutrality of motorsport and in particular will ensure neutrality at key moments in all motorsport competitions, such as podium finishes, national anthems and official activities ‘on the pitch’ – they do not impose additional restrictions on individuals expressing their opinions outside to express these times.
“The Guideline does not amend Article 12.2.1.n of the FIA International Sporting Code.
“It was necessary to provide a separate guide to facilitate the implementation of the neutrality principle across the many different motorsport disciplines.”