Verstappen disagrees with FIA decision: 'I don’t think it is necessary'

Recently, the FIA announced that from the 2023 Formula 1 season, political expressions will be banned. That decision met with criticism from the likes of Valtteri Bottas but was met with understanding from David Coulthard. Max Verstappen joins his fellow driver in calling the decision "unnecessary".

Whereas Verstappen normally stays aloof from political issues, he is speaking out about the FIA's decision. The two-time world champion may have little desire to make political statements himself, but he believes everyone should be able to say what they want.

"Some people are more outspoken than others. I’m normally not outspoken of that because first of all, it’s tough as a racing driver to be fully committed to that as well, in terms of going into everything and making sure that you know all the facts right," Verstappen said in conversation with Sky Sports. "But I don’t think it is necessary."

He continued: "In a way, you’re basically making sure people are not allowed to speak anymore which I think we should be allowed and of course, like I said before, some people will speak a bit more, some not. But it was probably a bit unnecessary."

Earlier, Valtteri Bottas also expressed criticism of the FIA's ban. The Alfa Romeo driver is also not so concerned with political matters, but, like Verstappen, thinks everyone should be able to speak out and argues that the governing body wants to determine what the drivers say.