“It will affect others more,” Nico Hulkenberg shares his take on FIA’s political statement ban

“It will affect others more,” Nico Hulkenberg shares his take on FIA’s political statement ban

Nico Hulkenberg's Response to FIA's new protocol

Formula 1 is no stranger to political voices. F1 drivers have used the platform to amplify the need for social change. We have seen legendary drivers like Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel provide their voices for social and political messages. From their helmets to the T-shirt, they wear on the podium, these drivers have spoken their minds on social environmental, and political matters. Drivers also donate and stand with existing socio-political causes publicly.

Now, Formula 1 is a global sports event that hosts these esteemed races in a bunch of countries. Some of these countries might not appreciate this behavior displayed by the F1 drivers. FIA, keeping their interest in mind decided to regulate the statements given by the people involved. The alteration now forbids “the general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.”

The history of sports mingling with political affairs has always been unstable. And an amendment as controversial as this one. It surely had pinions. It was questioning the freedom of expression for some. For others, it was simply irrelevant. Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg in an interview with RTL stated that he will not be impacted by the new FIA enforcement on unauthorized statements because he has “never been someone who has used this platform for political messages.”The German driver then accordingly added, “won’t affect or impact me that much. It will affect others more. I think it’s a personal story. Everyone has a personal take on it.”

Related: “Perhaps, a pedal car for F1?” Canadian Minister criticizes ‘activist’ Sebastian Vettel

Will Lewis Hamilton be the lone flagbearer?

Lewis Hamilton rainbow
Lewis Hamilton sporting a rainbow-themed helmet

In the past, we have observed Vettel get into trouble with country officials leaving the organization in some serious distress as they hope that the locations the races are being hosted are accessible to them.  This revised norm aligns with the departure of the 4-time World Champion, leaving just Lewis Hamilton someone we’ve seen rightfully use his platform in the past.

It is safe to say that Hamilton has used F1 as a platform to voice out his views to the fullest. Despite facing outrage from several nations and organizations (Saudi Arabia and Qatar to name a few), the 7-time champ has never backed off. He has also encouraged other drivers to always speak up for a worthy cause, an initiative that has won him numerous fans.

In Hulkenberg’s case, one can’t really argue or just force someone to stand up for a particular cause. However, a small opposition would do a world of good for the likes of drivers like Hamilton.

Also Read : Adrian Newey brings up memories with Sebastian Vettel