‘FIA wants to control us’ – Valtteri Bottas criticizes ban on political expression

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Valtteri Bottas showed solidarity by siding with former Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton. At the height of the anti-racism movement of the 2020s, the majority of F1 drivers led by Hamilton took a knee in an act of protest.

But since then, the FIA ​​has changed its position on the expression of dissent. The FIA ​​changed its rules in December. And now, drivers who want to make a political or religious statement will have to seek prior approval from the authority.

: A ban has been imposed on F1 drivers making political statements without the permission of the FIA. From now on, failure to follow the instructions of the new FIA regulations is considered a violation of the rules. #F1 pic.twitter.com/wjuq34qXmh

F1 Naija (@f1_naija) December 20, 2022

That means acts like Sebastian Vettel rooting for same-sex marriage, or Hamilton making a statement against racism will be banned. And it drew heavy criticism from fans and riders alike.

The decision obliges drivers and teams to adhere to the FIA’s principles of neutrality. But Bottas thinks cracking down on drivers is unnecessary.

Also read: It doesn’t matter if the sponsors let me down for my outspokenness: Lewis Hamilton is determined to continue his protests despite pressure from the FIA

Valtteri Bottas opposes FIA ban on political expression

Valtteri Bottas considers himself apolitical. The Finn thinks it’s best for the drivers to focus on the race and put on a good show for the fans. But this should not restrict their freedom of expression.

Bottas said: Personally, I don’t like politics. I love doing what I love, which is racing, but at the same time politics is part of today’s society.

That’s it for the 2023 @RaceOfChampions. I had a blast, made some new friends, shared some great stories, good laughs, and had fun on the track (even though it was a short two days for me).

Congratulations to the winners and see you in 2024 #VB77 #ROCSweden pic.twitter.com/2HqMWwl3nd

Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) January 29, 2023

The Finn says Formula 1 has played a major role in solving many problems in the modern world. With millions of fans around the world tuning in every race weekend, it’s a huge platform.

Bottas points out the likes of Sebastian Vettel who has taken a stand on climate change and same-sex marriage. And he believes drivers should be able to do so in the future.

He added, I don’t understand why they want to control us. I think we should have the right to talk about whatever we want. That’s how I see it, but hey, see what happens.

Bottas recently competed in the 2023 Race of Champions in Sweden alongside Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher. The driver will next be spotted at Alfa Romeo’s launch of its F1 2023 in Zurich on February 7.

Also Read: Sim Racer Makes Another F1 Upset By Beating Valtteri Bottas & Mika Hakkinen; Sebastian Vettel was a victim last time out

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