Formula 1: The FIA clarifies free speech rule after fierce backlash from Lewis Hamilton and drivers

F1’s governing body says drivers can “express their views on any political, religious or personal matter” in “their own space” but they will face sanctions if they defy law while on track; FIA says it could allow some statements in “exceptional circumstances”

Formula 1’s governing FIA has said drivers will be allowed to make political statements only in “exceptional” circumstances after seeking to clarify its contentious new law.

The sporting federation recently updated its rules to prevent “political, religious or personal” remarks being made without prior approval.

However, the FIA has attracted a fierce backlash from a number of drivers – with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton this week insisting he will not be silenced, and Lando Norris accusing F1’s rulers of treating drivers like school children.

In an attempt to clarify the law – which has threatened to cast a shadow over the new season – the FIA has responded with a three-page document sent to the grid’s 10 teams on Friday.

The document says drivers will still be able to “express their views on any political, religious or personal matter” in “their own space”, and outside of a race, via their social media channels or during an interview.

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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton says he will continue to use his voice to highlight social injustices despite FIA rules preventing drivers from making political statements.

However, drivers will face sanctions if they oppose the law while on track – such as during the national anthem before a race or on the podium.

But, in an apparent move to appease growing unrest, the FIA said that in “exceptional” circumstances it “may authorise a participant to make a statement at an international competition that would otherwise be prohibited” with a request submitted four weeks in advance of an event.

It adds that the driver must “provide reason(s) why such permission should be granted”, and that each request will be judged on a “case-by-case basis”.

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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell completed a test drive in the Mercedes W14 at Silverstone and were both left very excited ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

F1’s controversial free speech rule: What have Hamilton and drivers said?

Hamilton, speaking at Mercedes’ car launch for the first time on the subject on Wednesday, told Sky Sports News he will “100 per cent” still use his platform to highlight issues.

“These issues are still so important to be spoken about,” said Hamilton.

“I think we’ve come a long way. I think we’ve seen great progress, but there’s more to do and we are still going to places where there are still issues and I know there is work being done in those places too and these things can take time.

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Haas driver, Kevin Magnussen admits he is surprised the FIA are seeking to clampdown on drivers making political statements and says ‘freedom’ to speak openly is important.

“I’m going to continue to be me and continue to fight for things that I am passionate about. I wouldn’t let anybody stop me from doing that.”

Hamilton added on the rule: “It doesn’t surprise me. But nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I feel that I’m passionate about and issues that there are.”

It is not clear what a penalty could be for drivers if they fail to obey the rule.

“I think it would be silly to say that I would want to take extra penalty points for speaking out on things,” said Hamilton.

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Williams Racing driver Alex Albon wants FIA clarification over political statements as he believes the drivers use their voices in the correct manner when addressing certain issues.

“But I’m still going to be speaking my mind and because we still have this platform, there’s still a lot of things that we need to tackle.”

Drivers have been in unison in their unhappiness over the rule.

Hamilton’s team-mate George Russell, a GPDA director, said he thought it would be changed before the opening race in Bahrain in two weeks while fellow British driver, McLaren’s Norris, said: “I feel like there has been quite a bit of pressure and enough said for there to be a U-turn.

“F1 have made things clear as to what is acceptable and what we should be able to do and I stand by the fact that we should be able to say what we want and what we believe in.

“We are not in a school and we shouldn’t have to ask about everything, and say, ‘can we do this?’ and ‘can we do that?’ We are grown up enough to make smart decisions.”