Sebastian Vettel hopes that the F1 drivers can 'show courage' after the FIA's decision to ban drivers from making "political, religious and personal statements". The four-time World Champion has become the latest high-profile F1 figure to speak out against the FIA's decision to restrict driver statements. At the end of 2022, the FIA placed a ban on the displaying of "political, religious and personal statements" by F1 drivers , unless approved by the FIA. In his later F1 years, Vettel was one driver who has used his platform to highlight equality and environmental issues. Speaking at the Race of Champions event, AutoBild asked Vettel for his opinions on the new FIA regulations: Vettel responded: "Yes, that's a bit of a nonsense..."
Vettel: I hope drivers can 'stand up' for their opinions
When asked if he was happy to be away from the sport under the new restrictions, he added that he saw no logic in the FIA's decision to change the regulations. "There might have been a bit of trouble then," responded Vettel. "Of course, it always depends on what question you are asked and what the topic is. But I think it is absolutely important to take a stand on some issues and we have seen in recent years that more and more people have taken a stand. "It doesn't make much sense [for the FIA] to go against that now." Whilst Vettel admitted that it would be easy for him to encourage those within the F1 paddock to take a stand, he hoped drivers would not be discouraged to "stand up" for their opinion. "I am no longer involved, so of course I can say a lot now," Vettel continued. "But of course I hope that the guys in Formula 1 would continue to have the courage to stand up for their opinion and to express it."
Most read
