Lewis Hamilton asked to fight FIA ban on ‘unapproved statements’ by Bahrain political prisoner

Lewis Hamilton has always tried to use his platform to support a variety of causes. In addition to that, he has used it to speak out against human rights abuses, homophobia, racism, etc. Generally, all forms of discrimination. He and his former rival, Sebastian Vettel, who has now retired, are alike in that regard. But the FIA has recently brought out a rule preventing drivers from making unapproved political, religious, or personal statements – which has stirred quite a bit of controversy.

In a recent appearance on the ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty‘ podcast, he’d asserted that he does not care if his sponsors drop him for making a statement. In response to a jewelry ban announced by the FIA, he had shown up with 3 watches and 8 rings at a press conference. So he’s a good bet to continue to make such statements despite the aforementioned ban on them. Ali Al-Hajee, a prisoner in Bahrain, hopes for that to happen.

Addressing the seven-time world champion, Al-Hajee asked Hamilton to fight the ban on drivers making ‘unapproved’ (political, religious or personal) statements: “I would like to share with you the disappointment I felt after learning that political and religious statements were banned by the FIA; a decision that, in my opinion, perpetuates a policy which muzzles drivers and who makes you its primary target. I therefore ask you to fight this policy.” as per The Mirror.

Read More: “He’s just like me,” Twitter reacts to Lewis Hamilton admitting what he fears the most

Lewis Hamilton’s words gave Al-Hajee and other prisoners a ‘glimmer of hope’

Lewis Hamilton had earlier donned a helmet inspired by the LGBTQ+ community (with the Progress Pride flag on it) in the 2021 Saudi Arabian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. Before the race weekend, he’d also admitted that he wasn’t comfortable racing in Saudi Arabia – due to human rights concerns, and the rules about the LGBTQ+ community there. There are many other occasions where he’s spoken out, and Ali Al-Hajee wants him to continue doing so – and believes that it’s what makes Hamilton stand out from other drivers.

Al-Hajee said: “What makes you stand [out] from other F1 drivers is that you go beyond the circuit track by acting upon your passion for protecting the rights of others. What I felt from your words and actions in previous F1 seasons gave me, and other prisoners of conscience in Bahrain, a glimmer of hope. I know that the president is an Emirati and one of his vice-presidents is a Bahraini, both of whom belong to regimes whose prisons are crowded with prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders.”

It is in fact a rather unpopular rule, and it’ll be interesting to see if Hamilton does choose to disregard it. The race of the season is in Bahrain – where Al-Hajee is a prisoner. The next one is in Saudi Arabia, where the Briton has earlier spoken out. The first two races already give him a platform to do so.

In case you missed it:

• “You shouldn’t be able to have billions, right?”Lewis Hamilton believes that billionaires shouldn’t exist
• Lewis Hamilton opens up on the most traumatic period of his life before becoming world champion

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW