The FIA has moved to ban all drivers competing in sanctioned motorsport competitions, including Formula 1, from making any non-neutral political, religious or personal statements or comments without prior consent.
On Tuesday, an updated version of the FIA’s International Sporting Code was revealed, outlining rules governing political statements from the start of 2023.
Under a new Article 12.2.1n, it states that drivers will be deemed to have not complied with the rules should any personal statements or comments be made without the FIA’s permission.
“The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction,” the regulation reads.
This change comes after repeated personal and political statements from drivers became a common theme pre-race during the global pandemic.
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were leading voices when it came to pushing the boundaries over displaying personal or political statements in recent years.
The FIA called a review on the matter after Hamilton wore a T-shirt on the podium at the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix bearing the name of Breonna Taylor, who was shot by police at her home in Louisville, Kentucky.
Subsequently from the next race in Russia, the FIA amended the event notes to prevent a repeat, with drivers told that they could only wear their race suits done up to their neck while on the podium and conducting post-race interviews.
Hamilton has also worn a rainbow themed helmet in protest of countries banning homosexuality and other freedoms surrounding human rights, mainly in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Vettel was reprimanded at the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix for failing to remove a ‘Same Love’ T-shirt during the pre-race national anthem, with the four-time world champion later brushing off concerns he could receive a potential sanction.
At this year’s Canadian Grand Prix, Vettel sported a helmet featuring a protest of the oil sands operation in Alberta, which he wore during practice but reverted to his traditional German flag helmet for the race.
The FIA has also added a rule to the ISC that drivers will be required to abide by podium protocols, stating they could face sanctions if there is a: “Failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official ceremonies at any Competition counting towards a FIA Championship.”
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