A few weeks before we see some action on the track there is finally some clarity on one aspect of action in the background. During this 2022/23 Formula 1 downtime, the FIA made the headlines with the political speech ban. The ban generated plenty of backlash from Lewis Hamilton and Co. However, after weeks of constant criticism, there are fresh directives for the political ban.

As we all know, the drivers were instructed to keep a tight lip on various political issues during a race weekend by the FIA. The FIA revamped their policies of the International Sporting Code causing all the ruckus. Many drivers, including Valtteri Bottas, spoke up against the unnecessary ban forcing an answer from the FIA. We finally have some clarification now as reported by the news outlet Firstpost.

After much deliberation and backlash, the FIA revealed that the drivers will be able to, “express their opinions on any political, religious or personal question” in “their own space and outside the framework of competition.”

This would include media interviews and their various social media channels. However, this does not include, “during the key moments of all motorsport competitions, such as the podiums, the national anthems and official activities.”

Moreover, the FIA concluded, there could be a form of expression “exceptionally and on a case-by-case basis.”

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Hamilton has been one of the most vocal drivers on the grid for quite some time. This is exactly why the Brit strongly opposed this ruling. However, non-compliance could see the Brit even suspended from a race.

The harsh reality of FIA’s political ban cemented with bans and suspensions as Lewis Hamilton and Co. gears up to oppose the ruling

The FIA recently came forth with clarification and punishment for non-compliance with the political ban rule. The governing body basically suggested a punishment as severe as a race ban for any political demonstration against a country’s policies and beliefs.

As reported by Mirror, a statement read, “Anything critical of or hostile to others’ religious or spiritual beliefs would be against the rule. That implies that a driver might be punished if, for example, they were to wear a rainbow t-shirt or race helmet on a Grand Prix weekend, without permission, as criticism of a country’s lack of LGBT+ rights.”

Now, wearing a certain piece of clothing, like Hamilton’s “Black Lives Matter” t-shirt can see him on the sidelines for a race.

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The drivers with one of the biggest platforms in the world and all the influence will need to be tight-lipped or risk losing out on a race because of their individual beliefs. Fair? You tell us your thoughts!