Brown backs FIA: 'It got out of control'

The FIA recently decided that drivers will no longer be allowed to make political statements during race weekends without permission from the international motorsport federation. It led to a storm of an outcry online. But there is also acclaim for the FIA.

There are a number of F1 drivers who have made political statements in recent years, and these are mainly Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Vettel, for example, has appeared on the grid several times with a political message on his T-shirt or helmet. In Hungary 2021, he spoke out about gay rights in the country and in Miami last season he wanted to raise awareness of climate issues.

Understanding

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, understands well that the FIA wants to put a stop to this, he said to ESPN. He feels that the statements got 'out of control' in recent years. He explains: "I think in general we want to be a sport that is doing good. We just need to find a balance there and not have every start of a race being a new political agenda for someone. I don't think that's healthy as it can detract from what everyone has tuned in to, which is they want to watch a Grand Prix

According to Brown, it is important that everyone has freedom of speech. At the same time, he thinks the FIA has the right to say that there are rules of conduct and they should be adhered to during a Grand Prix weekend. Brown also believes that drivers have every opportunity to make political statements in their own time.