Lewis Hamilton did not need FIA approval to use rainbow helmet design at Bahrain GP despite ban on ‘political statements’
The British driver introduced a rainbow helmet to promote LGBTQ rights in Bahrain during the race weekend.
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Lewis Hamilton in the W14 cockpit
Formula 1 is a global spectacle watched by millions. The sport is often used as a platform to spread awareness about important issues drivers. Recently, the FIA tried to ban such ‘political, religious and personal statements’. But that has not stopped Lewis Hamilton from getting a new rainbow helmet design for the season opener in Bahrain.
It turns out the British driver did not need to get permission from the sport’s governing body to use this design. Lewis Hamilton‘s helmet is a way to speak up about the oppression of the LGBTQ community in Bahrain and the Middle East. F1 and the FIA have supported this gesture by the 38-year-old. Although, it might look into the matter if a local stakeholder addresses concerns over the helmet.
Further, F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali appreciated Lewis Hamilton’s crash helmet. Previously the 57-year-old had voiced against the FIA ruling and mentioned that he would not stop any driver from speaking out. Hamilton had welcomed the sport’s efforts in discussing this ban with the FIA. The 38-year-old has been at the forefront of raising awareness of atrocities through F1, alongside now-retired Sebastian Vettel.
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“We are in the wrong direction,” Lewis Hamilton, unhappy with the FIA ban
The British driver expressed his views against the FIA ruling on such statements. As the sport’s governing body actively tries to silence important issues. Lewis Hamilton said, “we are in the wrong direction, it’s counter to what I’ve been trying to do with the team.” The Mercedes driver is presently deliberating over this ban with the stakeholders. He continued, “I’ve been trying to do in conversations with stakeholders within our sport.”
Unfortunately, Lewis Hamilton was aware of the chances of receiving backlash from some figures in the paddock. The 38-year-old stated, “But I expect pushback. There are still individuals that don’t either understand or believe the importance of having an inclusive environment.” The British driver praised Stefano Domenicali for his constant support in discussing this issue.
Lastly, the 7-time world champion mentioned his belief in drivers and the sport being obligated to speak on such issues. Lewis Hamilton said, “And I think my job and our job is to continue to highlight that, the positives of what that can have, and the importance of it.”
Thus the FIA ban has made no difference to Lewis Hamilton’s activism in Formula 1. Moreover, the 38-year-old is now adamant about making a stance through the sport on fundamental issues in host countries. Certainly, fans have appreciated the efforts made by the British driver and his counterparts. As such, many would hope to see more such attempts this season.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)