George Russell is the latest F1 driver to have criticised theFIA's ruling on what drivers may and may not say in public. In December, motorsport's global governing bodyupdated the International Sporting Code, introducing a ban on the display ofpolitical, religious and personal statements unless previously approved inwriting. The ruling has been met with opposition from several key F1figures, including Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner, along with drivers Max Verstappen,Alex Albon, Sergio Perez,Valtteri Bottasand Lando Norris, with Russell now joining the ever-growing chorus of voicesagainst the FIA clampdown. "I am not too sure why the FIA has taken a stance likethis," Russell – who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers'Association, the trade union of F1 drivers – told media including RacingNews365.com . "It istotally unnecessary in the sport and in the world we live in at the moment. "I wouldlike to think it has all been some kind of misunderstanding, but on that I amnot too sure. "We arenot going to limit our views or thoughts because of some silly regulation. Weare all here to have free speech and share whatever views we have."
Russell hoping for resolution before Bahrain GP
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also waded into the debate, saying last week that F1 " would never put a gag on anyone ." Russell added that he expected a suitable resolution to be reached before the first Grand Prix weekend of the 2023 season in Bahrain from 3-5 March. "I hope and trust it will be resolved before the first race," said Russell. "I can't imagine they want to restrict us from any of our views, this is a part of freedom of speech and we have our right to share our views across whatever platform we wish. "So I don't see this being a concern moving forward." 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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