The FIA drew attention back to the sport during the holiday season when they announced that every statement of ‘protest’ being made by the drivers needed to be approved by the governing body first. This is an addition to the International Sporting Code ahead of the 2023 F1 season, which has banned ‘the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements’ by drivers without the permission of the FIA. The curbing of freedom of speech at the highest platform of motor racing appeared severe. However, Toto Wolff says it is all about interpretation.

Several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, have used their popularity combined with that of the sport to raise awareness over various subject matters. The speech has to be acclimatized to the sensitivities of others with the sport’s expansion beyond Europe. FIA has done this to avoid any potential controversies and disruptions originating from the drivers’ stances.

The clampdown seems like a draconian step, curbing speech in the most advanced of environments. But the Mercedes Team Principal, Toto Wolff, believes otherwise.

As quoted by racefans.net, Wolff said, “I think we need to see how this really this really pans out. We understand that sports are here to not make politics, but on the contrary, unite. And I have no doubt that Mohammed [bin Sulayem] and the FIA mean well to achieve the right things.”

“It’s just about aligning that with the drivers that have been more outspoken in the past.”

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Lewis Hamilton has been the most vocal in a plethora of matters. He has arguably had the most clashes with FIA of any driver on the grid. He is a staunch supporter of free speech and, uses the F1 platform to raise awareness amongst the audience. The Brit might not be very pleased with the clampdown.

What does it mean for Lewis Hamilton, the torchbearer of human rights in F1?

The Mercedes Boss is sure that Hamilton will discuss this development with an open mind. Wolff said, “We haven’t talked about the political situation because he’s in his off-season and I think that’s important to shield yourself also from Formula 1 and this is what I’m very much doing–helping to shield. Once he’s back, these things will be certainly discussed and with a positive mindset.”

Wolff hasn’t had a discussion with Hamilton over this. But he has complete faith in the 7x World Champion and FIA President, Mohammed bin Sulayem.

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“Every time I know when Mohammed’s spoken to Lewis and the other way around, it’s ended up in a positive conversation. So I have no doubt that when once people sit [at] the table together that things will not appear as harsh when they are being written down in the off-season.” said Wolff, reaffirming his faith.

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The 2023 season is set to begin in a couple of weeks’ time. The winds of time have been against the Briton. Do you think Hamilton will pull off a ‘Phoenix’?