Alex Albon asks for ‘clarity’ from FIA over mixed signals from ‘unapproved statements’ ban
Alex Albon has asked for clarity from the FIA over its 'unapproved statements' ban, adding that the drivers are 'all concerned' about the situation.
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Alex Albon
The FIA has come out with a controversial rule banning drivers from making ‘political, religious or personal statements’ without prior permission. The reaction to it has been rather mixed, but as expected, it hasn’t sat particularly well with the drivers. Ali Al-Hajee, a prisoner in Bahrain, even accused the FIA of ‘muzzling’ the drivers and targeting Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton hasn’t responded directly yet. However, Sergio Perez, and now Alex Albon have given thoughts on the ban.
The Mexican driver cited the fact that it’s important for drivers to be able to ‘express themselves’ while saying he understands the ‘political part’. Hamilton, and earlier, Sebastian Vettel are particularly known for supporting a variety of causes, such as Black Lives Matter, climate change, environmental activism. Both have also spoken up against homophobia and laws against LGBTQ+ people. The Briton even raced with a progress pride flag helmet in Saudi Arabia.
Albon cited the ‘We Race as One’ campaign, feeling that this ban goes away from that. In an interview with Autosport, he said: “We were very much for We Race As One and all these kind of situations, and it seems like the FIA are trying to go away from that. So we need to see. It’s clear we need to be open in dialogue about what they’re trying to do. Of course, we need to be able to speak freely to some extent. I’m sure we’re going to get clarity later on what really they’re trying to say.”
Alex Albon: There’s a ‘bit of confusion’ between the FIA and F1
Fans often look up to their favorite drivers. People you idolize speaking up about something can also affect your view on the subject. It can also help you in many ways. An example of this is Lando Norris‘ claim that his speaking openly about mental health ‘saved lives’. Public figures standing up for a cause can help swing many people, and increase support further. Alex Albon knows this, as he says many people see F1 drivers as ‘spokespeople’ for a variety of issues.
The Thai driver said: “I do feel like it is a responsibility for drivers to make people aware of these kind of situations. It is a beast. It is hard to, as drivers, to see what they’re trying to say.” He felt that drivers were ‘all concerned’ about the situation, and added: “But let’s see. I know, you know as well, that between Formula 1 and the FIA, it’s trying to get everything together in the same form of communication. At the minute, there’s a little bit of confusion. That’s all I’m going to say about that.”
This is not the only issue between the FIA and Formula 1 right now. Mohammed Ben Sulayem was even sent a letter by Formula 1’s owners, criticizing his ‘unacceptable’ remarks as potentially damaging the value of the sport. There have been reports as early as last September that F1 and its teams were unhappy with the FIA ‘stamping its authority’. A power struggle seems to be taking place, and if reports are to be believed, F1 wants to force Ben Sulayem out of office.
In case you missed it:
- Sergio Perez hits out at FIA’s ‘unapproved statements’ ban
- “I’m losing less,” Alex Albon sheds light on an ‘attachment’ that has done his VR gaming a world of good
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)