Lando Norris says he is prepared to defy the FIA over the recent political ban introduced on Formula 1 drivers. In December, motorsport's global governing body updated the International Sporting Code, introducing a ban on the display of political, religious and personal statements unless previously approved in writing. The ruling has been met with opposition from several key F1 figures. The sport's CEO Stefano Domenicali said last week that F1 "would never put a gag on anyone." Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has also spoken out against the ruling, along with drivers Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, and now Norris has joined the chorus of voices against the FIA clampdown.
Norris prepared to defy ban
Norris has previously spoken publicly about several issues, including his own struggles with mental health , and added that he may be prepared to defy the FIA ruling, depending on the sanction. "I don't know what the penalty is. If it's a fine, I am probably happy to break it," Norris told media including RacingNews365.com at McLaren's MCL60 launch. "If it's a bit more, then maybe not, but it depends. At certain times, there are things you are going to want to say which maybe they won't allow, but I think that will only be a positive thing for whatever that circumstance is. "I think it's very important that it's clear, as drivers, we can still voice our opinions, and I don't think F1 should go in the direction of limiting what we can do and say and influence. "I feel like there's been quite a bit of pressure [on the FIA] and enough said to make a bit of a U-turn. "We are not in a school, we shouldn’t have to ask about everything and say: 'Can we do this, can we do that?' I think we are grown up enough to try and make smart decisions. I think enough drivers have said things now to push back a little bit." RacingNews365.com understands that the FIA is in the process of clarifying the guidelines as to what is and is not allowed from drivers, with this information expected to be released shortly.
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