As a “Christmas gift” to the drivers, the FIA has introduced changes to the sporting code for the 2023 season which prohibit the protagonists of Formula 1 from make political, personal or religious statements during the Grands Prix. A measure that has divided the “public opinion” of F1 between those who consider it a censorship and those who consider it a just intervention to prevent sports and politics intertwine until they lose their identity. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem defended the decision, specifying that he has nothing against the pilots but having at heart only the principle of neutrality, moreover in line with the IOC code of ethics – which recognizes the Federation even if it clearly cannot involve it in the Olympic Games since it is a natural sport motoring.
“The code of ethics has been approved by the World Council, our principle is neutrality and diversity is very important. The FIA was born for sport, but it must also build bridges and use sport to achieve peace. We do not want the FIA to become a platform for private and personal matters“, Ben Sulayem said at a press conference in Saudi Arabia held on the rest day of the Dakar. “What’s the best thing for pilots to do? They make the show, they are the stars. Nobody stops them, but there are other platforms to express what they want, everyone has them and they are more than welcome to do so. I think the FIA should be neutral. We need superstars to grow the sport, but they need our approval to deliver certain messages. Otherwise, the commissioners will decide. We don’t want to gag anyone. I myself have my own thoughts on certain topics, but that doesn’t mean he has to use the FIA to express them“.
These days, Ben Sulayem is very active on the political side. Considered a boss with clear-cut and decisive choices – with his ways and his times – the number one of the Federation is also playing on the Andretti table, putting pressure on Formula 1 to expand the number of teams to 12.
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