F1
Pérez castigates the FIA over the lack of freedom of expression of drivers: “It’s not correct”
Sergio Pérez calls for freedom of expression for F1 drivers © Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Like other pilots before him, Sergio Pérez stepped up to defend the freedom of expression of pilots of F1. The margins of the presentation of the Red Bull RB19, which took place in New York (United States) on Friday, the Mexican reacted regarding the ban on political statements without the approval of the FIA.
Indeed, in an update of the International Sporting Code dated December 19, the new article 12.2.1.n stipulates: “ The general formulation and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments, in particular in violation of the general principle of neutrality upheld by the FIA under the terms of its Statutes, unless prior written approval of the FIA for International Competitions or of the ASN competent for National Competitions under their jurisdiction. »
The following article, 12.2.1.o adds: “ Any failure to comply with FIA instructions regarding the nomination and participation of persons during official ceremonies during a competition counting towards an FIA Championship. »
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Perez “uncomfortable” by this ban
A new ban that resembles censorship according to Sergio Pérez. The Red Bull driver strongly criticized the governing body of Formula 1 on this precise point. “We haven't discussed it with the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers' Association), but it's something that makes us uncomfortable because we want to be ourselves and we want to be able to express ourselves in the way that we want, he declared, before adding: “We all have different opinions, different beliefs when it comes to religion? I understand the political side, but we should all be free to express ourselves however we want. »
This ban comes as messages of a political nature have multiplied in recent seasons, particularly with Sebastian Vettel et Lewis Hamilton. The two world champions have regularly criticized some of Formula 1's destinations, in countries where human rights and/or the environment are not respected. Sergio Pérez strongly regrets the choice of the FIA, while questioning the control that will be carried out with the drivers. “I find it hard to believe that they will be able to control what you can say or not say. For me, this is not correct. But we will discuss it. Sport, in many ways, is there to entertain but it is also a moment of escape. »
“We don’t want robots without opinions to take part in races”
A speech also supported by Christian Horner, who recalled that Red Bull had always given its pilots the freedom to express themselves, but it was a matter of finding a balance. “In the world we live in today, everyone has a voice and this should not be suppressed, but of course it must be done responsibly,” stressed the Austrian team director. We don't want a bunch of robots with no opinions competing in races. »
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Dorian Grangier
A young journalist nostalgic for the motorsport of yesteryear. Raised on the exploits of Sébastien Loeb and Fernando Alonso.
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04/02/2023 at 03:46 a.m.
Of course, in the Middle East, freedom in the broad sense is not common! And between the Emirati MBS and the Saudi MBS who is increasingly involved in F1 via Aramco, Aston Martin and soon the PIF owner of the F1 Circus, freedom of expression is potentially less and less guaranteed in the future within F1!!