Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff doubts the FIA’s new crackdown on drivers who make political statements will be as “severe” as the cover report suggests.
Ahead of the 2023 F1 season, the International Sporting Code also banned the “generalisation and display of political, religious and personal expression” by drivers without the FIA’s permission. Wolff said a discussion was needed between the drivers and that FIA president Mohamed Ben Suleiman was now needed to clarify the situation.
He told the media last week, including RaceFans, “I think we’ll have to see how this really works out.” “We understand that sport is not here to politicize, but rather to unite. And I have no doubt that Mohammed and the FIA mean well to achieve the right things. It’s just a matter of aligning with the drivers who have spoken so clearly in the past.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has been one of the drivers on various political issues, including a call for support for human rights after receiving a letter from Saudi Arabia’s death row inmates. Last year, the sport’s governing body clashed with the FIA when it began enforcing the rules on wearing jewellery.
“Every time I know Muhammad talks to Louis and otherwise, it ends in a positive conversation,” Wolff continued. “Therefore, I have no doubt that once people are seated [at] “At the table together so that things don’t get complicated when you write off-season.”
Wolff said he had no discussion with the driver over the winter break.
We haven’t talked about the political situation because it’s out of season and I think it’s important to protect yourself from Formula 1 and that’s what I’m doing a lot – help to protect. Once he returns, these things will definitely be discussed and taken in a positive light.
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