Stefano Domenicali does not want to “muzzle the pilots”

À As the 2023 season approaches, the premier category finds itself in turmoil. Will drivers be able to express themselves freely on future Grands Prix, in an era of Formula 1 where many people carry political messages on the grid? With, at the top of the list, the two world champions Lewis Hamilton et Sebastian Vettel. Stefano Domenicali, president of Formula 1, spoke on the subject but to understand, a brief reminder of the facts is necessary.

On December 19, an update of now article 12.2.1 of the International Sporting Code stipulates this: “ 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. » Will therefore be considered a violation of the regulations which is added to article 12.2.1.o: “ 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. »

At the microphone of Sky Sports, Stefano Domenicali returned to the debate that this modification of the regulations generated: “ I think that it is not by muzzling the pilots that we will prevent them from expressing themselves, it is a question of respecthe begins. What I don't like, however, is when it comes to asking to act towards someone else, it's not good. » A statement which can notably evoke the Tuscan Grand Prix, in 2020. Lewis Hamilton wore a t-shirt displaying this: “ Arrest the police officers who killed Breonna Taylor. » A reference to the death of the African-American paramedic in Kentucky (United States), shot and killed by Louisville police officers on the night of March 12 to 13 of the same year.

Formula 1 boss Stefano Domenicali says the organization will continue to support the freedom of drivers to speak out on issues. pic.twitter.com/WYjOx1dm4I

- Sky Sports F1 (@ SkySportsF1) February 11, 2023

For the moment, no clarification has been provided by the motorsport body regarding this adjustment to the regulations. Domenicali, for his part, qualifies the debate: “ Nothing is going to change from what has been done in previous years, so that Formula 1 continues to give us the chance to express ourselves on subjects that go beyond sport, but it must be done in the right way. way. » A point of view that he also supports in an interview with The Guardian a few days ago, recalling despite everything that this new regulation is mainly the responsibility of the FIA ​​which must reconcile " 20 drivers, 10 teams and several sponsors, who have different ideas and visions » but also… the International Olympic Committee, of which the governing body of motorsport is a part.

« I'm sure the FIA ​​shares the vision of F1, but they are also a member of the Olympic federation, they have protocols to which they must comply », declares the president of the category. In a press release from the FIA ​​spokesperson, it is specified that this decision to update the Sporting Code results from that of “ an article on the political neutrality of sport as a fundamental universal principle of ethics of the Olympic movement. »

And the pilots?

On the drivers' side, the time has come for incomprehension. The local Thai Williams Alexander albon fears a step backwards after the implementation of the initiative We Race As One, aimed at combating discrimination in motorsport and in favor of diversity: “ Last year, we launched We Race As One with a shared ambition to highlight certain issues. It seems we are backtracking on our ambitions. There is a lot of confusion. » Before adding, more optimistically: “ I am sure that all this will be clarified because, as pilots, we have a responsibility to raise awareness on certain topics. We just have to be sure that we don't go backwards, we'll see. »

Asked by Sky Sports, Kevin Magnussen also expressed his perplexity and showed himself “ curious to see how things would develop », while recalling this: “ Afterwards, we are here to ride. We do not want to be punished with penalties. But I would like to have this freedom [of expression in Formula 1], it is essential. »

"'𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐄.” 🙏

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen admits he's surprised that the FIA ​​are looking to clampdown on drivers making political statements and says "freedom" to speak brazenly is important 🏎️ pic.twitter.com/6WYT4XtwEK

- Sky Sports F1 (@ SkySportsF1) February 10, 2023

A violation of freedom of expression, which the pilot Red Bull Sergio Pérez interprets it as censorship. On the sidelines of the presentation of the RB19, the Mexican did not take a pinch of salt: « We haven't discussed it with the GPDA [Grand Prix Drivers' Association], but it's something that makes us uncomfortable, did he declare. 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. »

If Stefano Domenicali assures that a dialogue is underway and that common ground is possible, the fire will have to calm down between drivers and FIA as a tense 2023 campaign approaches.

À READ ALSO> Pérez castigates the FIA ​​over the lack of freedom of expression of drivers: “It’s not correct”