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Albon disagrees with FIA ban: 'It's mostly confusing'

Albon disagrees with FIA ban: 'It's mostly confusing'

07-02-2023 15:32 Last update: 16:22
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Alex Albon has backed criticism of the announced ban on political expressions by drivers. During the presentation of the new Williams car, Albon addressed the FIA 's decision to restrict political expression.

As the ban was announced during the winter break, the reaction from the paddock was somewhat limited. Now that the 2023 season is slowly getting under way, drivers and team bosses are also increasingly letting it be known what they think of the decision. After Valtteri Bottas, Christian Horner and Max Verstappen already shared their opinions in recent days, Alexander Albon now also expresses his disagreement with the FIA's decision.

"I find it mostly confusing," Albon said, as quoted by Speedweek. "We've been involved in the We Race As One campaign, for example, and I think the drivers have generally spoken up well for different causes. The drivers are using their platform in the right way."

'This is a step backwards'

Albon himself does not often get caught out on political statements, but he does acknowledge the problems with this announced rule. In particular, the human rights situation in several of Formula 1's host countries is an issue that comes to the Williams driver's mind. This was also the reason why human rights organisation BIRD recently sent a complaint to the FIA.

"For example, we drove at several circuits in countries that are not without controversy, but the drivers were free to stand up for their cause," Albon stressed. "What is happening now is a step backwards. The drivers, the FIA and probably Formula 1 have different views. We will sit down at the table and have to clarify some things. What is happening now worries us drivers."