Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the sport 'will never put a gag on anyone' amid free speech debate
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Published 08/02/2023 at 12:38 GMT
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has moved to calm fears that free speech is being stifled in the sport after new rule changes were put in place in F1’s International Sporting Code (ISC) surrounding making political statements. "We have a huge opportunity because of the position of our sport which is more and more global, multicultural and multi-valued."
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Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali says the sport "will never put a gag on anyone" as the debate over what drivers are allowed to say rages on.
An update to the International Sporting Code (ISC) means F1 drivers now need prior written permission from the FIA to make "political, religious and personal statements".
The FIA runs the legislative arm of the sport, while Formula One Group deals with commercial matters.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also stated the sport should not be used ‘as a platform for private personal agenda’.
The news comes after the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have promoted diversity initiatives on the grid in the past.
A number of drivers have spoken out against the measures with many criticising the FIA for denying free speech.
However, Domenciali, the CEO of Formula One Group, says drivers will be allowed to continue to speak freely.
"F1 will never put a gag on anyone," said Domenicali.
"Everyone wants to talk, so to have the platform to say what they want in the right way, the better it is. We have a huge opportunity because of the position of our sport, which is more and more global, multicultural and multi-valued.
"We are talking about 20 drivers, 10 teams and many sponsors, they have different ideas, different views. I cannot say one is right, one is wrong but it is right, if needed, to give them a platform to discuss their opinions in an open way.
"We will not change that approach as a sport. That should be the line of our sport, to give everyone the chance to speak in the right way, not with aggressive tones or to offend but with respect."
Domenicali expected the FIA – which is fully recognised by the IOC, whose code of ethics states that sport must be politically neutral - to clarify it’s position.
"I believe the FIA will clarify what has been stated, in terms of respecting certain places where you cannot do it," he added.
"I am sure the FIA will share the same view as F1, but they are part of an Olympic federation so there are protocols to which they have to abide."
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