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(Reuters) – F1 drivers should not use a platform provided by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to make statements about their ‘personal agenda’, says F1 governing body Mohamed Ben. Sulaiyem chairman said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
F1 drivers will need prior written permission from F1’s governing bodies to make “political, religious and personal statements” from next season, following an update to the international sporting regulations.<\/p>\n
Drivers making such statements are against the rules unless the FIA \u200b\u200bgives written approval.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are interested in building bridges. Sport can be used for reasons of peace, but one thing we do not want is to make the FIA \u200b\u200ba platform for private personal agendas. to do it,\u201d Ben Slyem told reporters.<\/p>\n
“We look away from the sport. What do drivers do best? Driving. They’re so good, they’re making businesses, they’re making shows, they’re stars. Nobody’s stopping them.”<\/p>\n
“There are other platforms that express what they want. Everyone has this and they are very welcome to go through the FIA \u200b\u200bprocess.”<\/p>\n
Former champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were among the notable drivers to make such statements in recent seasons.<\/p>\n
Hamilton has stood up for human rights and racial equality while tackling LGBTQ+ rights in conservative countries like Saudi Arabia, which has hosted two races since 2021.<\/p>\n
Vettel, who retired last year, has highlighted issues ranging from LGBTQ rights to climate change.<\/p>\n
Ben Sraem has dismissed the idea that the FIA \u200b\u200bis shutting down drivers, saying he wants to “improve and clean up” the sport.<\/p>\n
Former United Arab Emirates rally driver Ben Sraem said: “I have something personal, but that doesn’t mean I’m going with the FIA.<\/p>\n
“I think the FIA \u200b\u200bshould be neutral. You need superstars to make a sport.”<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anything, get permission. It is clear to<\/p>\n