Lewis Hamilton: If I can’t defend human rights, I prefer to stop racing
The seven-time world champion greets the new FIA rule very coldly, according to which political statements will only be accepted if they have been previously validated.
A few days before Christmas, the FIA updated its International Sporting Code, which will regulate the conduct of all races starting in 2023: according to the new Article 12.2.1.n, political statements of any kind by Formula 1 drivers during Grand Prix weekends will soon be sanctioned if they have not been previously authorized. In practice, it will no longer be allowed to wear T-shirts or symbols with political or social connotations, including political, religious, or personal comments «.
This new offense is far from being a gift for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion is indeed prohibited by the FIA from making political statements without prior authorization.
“>A great defender of human rights, who has repeatedly displayed slogans from the “Black Lives Matter” movement and for LGBTQ rights. In an interview with the New York Times, the Mercedes driver voiced his strong disapproval of this new directive.”
The year 2020 had a great impact on me personally. I feel capable of standing up and speaking out on any subject. Regardless of the outcome, I know that things always need to be said and done, as many people are suffering, explained the committed pilot.
And to continue: « If I cannot defend human rights and if I cannot continue what I have been doing for years, I prefer not to race anymore », he affirmed, sending a clear message to the FIA led since 2022 by Ben Sulayem, who was appointed in December 2021 to succeed Jean Todt.
For Lewis Hamilton, continuing to have this kind of discussions and debates is crucial in order to bring about change. There are still many obstacles to overcome. Let’s hope that it won’t last long, but it is sad to see that these things still exist today. If I can’t have conversations with people, if I can’t talk about these sensitive issues… they won’t have the impact they need to have. Organizations that can change things won’t dedicate their energy to improving them, he concludes.
