After the ban on political statements by the FIA, Domenicali wishes to find common ground
While the FIA has banned any political demonstration from drivers without prior authorization, Domenicali supports the right to expression and hopes for a change in the situation.
In December last year, the FIA updated its International Sporting Code, limiting the freedom of expression of the drivers. Since this announcement, the organization has been strongly criticized. The CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali, on his part, insisted that the sport will never muzzle anyone.
Formula 1 has been experiencing growing success worldwide for several years, with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel using this visibility to convey messages of diversity, inclusion, and respect for the environment. This announcement is being poorly received by both the drivers and teams, as well as the fans.
Stefano Domenicali believes that Formula 1 is a wonderful platform for expression if done with respect. On this point, he agrees with the FIA on the desire to regulate speech. « We are talking about 20 drivers, 10 teams, and numerous sponsors, all of whom have different ideas and viewpoints. I cannot say that one is right and the other is wrong, but it is fair, if necessary, to provide them with a platform to discuss their opinions openly. We will not change this approach as a sport. This should be the guiding principle of our sport, giving everyone the chance to express themselves in the right way, not with aggressive tones or to offend, but with respect, » he explains in an interview with The Guardian.
He wishes for a more significant dialogue between all the stakeholders of the competition in order to find common ground. « I had a discussion with the drivers about this last year,” he said. « On how F1 could be a platform in order to shine a spotlight on certain issues that we believe it is right to talk about. F1 should support the drivers if they want to discuss certain topics. It is important to have a very constructive dialogue. If this is not the case, it can create confusion or problems where there are none. »
According to him, it is essential that the FIA clarifies this rule quickly. « I think the FIA will clarify what has been stated, in terms of respecting certain places where you cannot do it. I am sure that the FIA will share the same point of view as Formula 1, but it is part of an Olympic federation and therefore must adhere to protocols. »
Indeed, the FIA is a federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Therefore, it defended its position by stating that it must respect the Olympic Charter, which indicates political neutrality as a fundamental principle.
