“Practice what you preach or change your speech”. This proverb aptly applies given the current situation of Formula 1 and the FIA, as measures have been introduced to curb drivers’ fundamental right to speech. And the one most affected by the new regulation by the FIA and F1 is Lewis Hamilton, who has often voiced his opinion to support several social causes. After only getting called out by the authorities over his stances earlier, the driver has found their support as the sport currently plans to expand.

The FIA brought in restrictions on drivers prohibiting them from making political statements such as those in favor of Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, human rights, etc. However, as F1 seeks market expansion, it appears the F1 CEO has changed his words to back the Mercedes driver. The restrictions appear to fluctuate depending on the markets and the value that the drivers can provide, which is certainly the highest for Lewis Hamilton. 

So, after Hamilton has been shunted and retirement rumors have floated from time to time, Stefano Domenicali, F1 CEO, has backed the driver for his social efforts and extended time in sport as new viewers continue to join the circus. As quoted by the Daily Mail in an interview, Domenicali says, “I’d like him to stay in the sport 100 per cent, 100pc– 1,000pc! He loves our sport. He has been in it since he was a child. Now his role in F1 is getting bigger than an F1 world champion, given the way he gets involved in a lot of things outside the sport and takes an active role in society. He takes us towards new dimensions.”

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All this appears to be contradictory, as previously, on the matter of an investigation into human rights violations, Stefano decided not to take up the request with relevant authorities. Moreover, he certainly doesn’t like those who speak from the heart. Why so? Because previously he was quoted by Crash as saying, “You need to be balanced. No-one will put barriers up. Unless it is political because we are a sport. To highlight attention on certain subjects that are at the centre of discussion? No problem. I’m sure the FIA share that view.” Clearly, authorities and Stefano Domenicali decide if they back Lewis Hamilton for his social activism or despise him in times of rising social justice.

Lewis Hamilton must be concerned over Stefano’s stance on free speech

The hypocrisy in the stances of the authorities has been a recurring pattern. It remains so even in the case of F1’s way of running, as many drivers expressed their thoughts on sprint races and introductions in Miami. And of those, Max Verstappen certainly wasn’t happy.

Speaking on this topic, where the drivers expressed their displeasure over the Miami way of F1, Stefano said, “I don’t want a society in which people cannot say what they want. But drivers sometimes need to remember that they are part of a broader picture. We don’t need to be selfish. They are part of this sport and this business, and it grows because we are thinking bigger.”

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Things become crystal clear here. On the one hand, permissions are required to express your opinion. Later on, if you manage to do that, caution is advised, no matter who it is—Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen.