Drivers' freedom of expression: Hamilton and Russell speak out

The reactions of the two pilots Mercedes were eagerly awaited. So, on the occasion of the presentation of a black carbon W14 and its shakedown on the Silverstone track (United Kingdom), the question was not long in coming regarding the updating of the International Sporting Code in last December, limiting “ the general formulation and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments.” A new line in article 12.2.1.n seen as an obstacle to freedom of expression for pilots. This modification comes in particular after the display of several political messages worn by the seven-time world champion of the German team, the most striking being the t-shirt worn on the podium of the Tuscan Grand Prix: “ Arrest the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor. » A direct reference to the death of the African-American woman, killed by the police. If he was not the only one to spread his political and societal ideas in the paddock, the ex-driver of Formula 1 Sebastian Vettel also included in this list, Hamilton is " not surprised " But nothing will stop me from talking about what I'm passionate about, or the issues that exist. Sport has the responsibility to talk about subjects, to raise awareness of important themes, especially when traveling to several places in the world. So nothing changes for me. »

This update is also pointed out by his teammate, George Russell, who also serves as president of the GPDA (Grand Prix Driver's Association: « I think it's totally unnecessary, both in sport, and in the world we live in right now. Of course, we are waiting for clarification, and I know this will be resolved. I like to think it's a sort of misunderstanding. I can't really say more, to be honest. »

Indeed, a clarification is requested by many drivers on the grid. Because, in the event of non-compliance with this evasive rule, what will be the consequences? « I think it would be stupid to say that I would like to take penalty points for talking about certain subjects, says Lewis Hamilton. But like I said, I will continue to say what is on my mind. We have this platform, and there are still things to highlight. » A vision shared by his teammate: « We just want clarification, to know where we stand. But we are not going to limit our visions or our ideas because of a strange regulation. »

But this precision must come from above and, at the top of motorsport and the premier category, the positions do not yet seem fixed. Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali assured that Formula 1 won't put a gag on anyone », even if it was necessary to make “ 10 teams, 20 drivers with different visions ». « Stefano's support has been incredible, congratulates Hamilton, and I think all drivers are more or less aligned with this way of thinking »

On the FIA ​​side, Russell claims not to have “ spoken to Mohammed [Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, Editor's note] since he announced, let's say, distancing himself from Formula 1. But I was in contact with Niels [Wittch, racing director of F1, Editor's note ], and we had a big discussion where all the points were put on the table. "And to continue:" I think we'll have a conversation [with Mohammed] at some point about what to do. »

While the 25-year-old British youth remains optimistic that this situation will be clarified, he hopes that this will be " resolved before the first Grand Prix », on March 5 in Bahrain.

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