FIA issues clarification to F1 drivers over political statement clampdown
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 explained how an update to its long-standing International Sport Code published in late 2022 will in practice work with riders, who make personal statements on various subjects and subjects.
In the document, a copy of which was seen by Motorsport.com, the FIA insists that drivers are free to express their own beliefs, but only at certain times and under certain circumstances, which are generally the times of the sporting Competitions (on track) cover action, podium and riders parade).
But it reiterates that they still need to get permission to discuss certain topics.
The FIA says that drivers are free “to express their views on political, religious or personal matters before, during and after the International Competition in their own area 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 refraining from special statements during the drivers’ parade, national anthem ceremonies, pre-season and post-season driver group photos and podium (thus including visual gestures such as wearing a specific clothing) “Participants are not permitted to make political, religious and/or personal statements in violation of 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 breach 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 statements about religions 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 breach 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 represents concern over the efforts made to clarify what drivers can and cannot say at F1 events.
FIA policy states that drivers requesting permission to make a declaration that would otherwise breach Article 12.2.1.n must do so “at least four weeks before the event in question”, stating: “Late requests are only considered by the FIA on an exceptional basis”, with all authorizations granted covering only one F1 event.
Motorsport.com understands 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 recently wished their men’s soccer team captains to wear a rainbow colored ‘OneLove “-Wear armband World Cup in Qatar.
This was stopped by FIFA, who said isolated sanctions such as a yellow card would be issued if this happened.
Motorsport.com have asked if, for example, 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 being violated breach Article 12.2.1.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 International Sporting Code in December.
“The updates reinforce the FIA’s longstanding 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 to express outside of 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 principles of neutrality across the many different motorsport disciplines.”