Hamilton: FIA politics ban 'counter' to what I've tried to do

The recent FIA clampdown on Formula 1 drivers making political interventions is "counter to what I've been trying to do" says Lewis Hamilton.

In December, F1's governing body tightened rules on what drivers are allowed to say on political matters, with prior approval needed in writing.

The likes of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Valtteri Bottas have criticised the ban, while Red Bull boss Christian Horner said he feared drivers becoming like "robots" if they were not allowed to speak out on such matters.

And Hamilton - who has been at the centre of F1's push for increased diversity, equality and representation over the past few years - says he still expects "pushback" over the work.

"When I read that in the news, it tells me that we're going in the wrong direction, it is counter to what I've been trying to do with the team, and in conversations with stakeholders within the sport," the seven-time World Champion told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"But I expect pushback, there are still individuals that don't fully understand or believe the importance of having an inclusive environment.

"I think my job and our job is to continue to highlight the positives it can have and mean of more it.

"I'm really happy that I've got Mission44, we sorted that out but now I'm working with the team and we've got these diversity charts that I've been working on with all the teams.

"Stefano [Domenicali, F1 CEO] is a great leader and is very family orientated, very much understanding and has already come out against what was said, so we will continue to work together in the right direction."