Russell appeared perplexed by the FIA directive, claiming that something like this made no sense in any manner.
Follow Us
George Russell has joined a growing list of drivers who have spoken out against the FIA’s prohibition on drivers making political or social comments on the F1 platform. The FIA issued a guideline in December 2022 prohibiting drivers from making any political or social gestures during a race weekend. If a driver had to make such a statement, he would have to get it approved by the FIA. Some drivers, including Valtteri Bottas, who succeeded George Russell at Mercedes, have spoken out against it. Russell appeared perplexed by the FIA directive, claiming that something like this made no sense in any manner. Russell declared the directive unnecessary, saying:
“I’m not sure why the FIA has adopted such a stance. It is completely superfluous in today’s sport and in today’s life. I’d like to believe it was all a misunderstanding, but I’m not so sure.” We will not confine our opinions or thoughts because of some arbitrary rule. We’re all here to express ourselves and share our opinions.” I’m hoping and expecting it to be resolved before the first race. I can’t think they want to limit any of our opinions; this is part of free speech, and we have the right to express ourselves on any platform we want. Thus I don’t see this as a problem going ahead. “We will not confine our opinions or thoughts because of some arbitrary rule. We’re all here to express ourselves and share our opinions.”
Read More- Lewis Hamilton: ‘Looks great in Black’ shared his views about the Mercedes W14 livery
Lando Norris mirrored George Russell’s thoughts and intimated that he might break the regulation if the penalty wasn’t too severe. He stated: “I’m not sure what the penalty is; if it’s a fine, I’m probably fine with breaking it. If it’s a little more, perhaps not, but it depends. There will be times when you will want to say things that they will not allow you to say, but I believe it will only benefit the situation.” The decree was almost certainly the decision of FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem. Because he would not be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of F1, the FIA may decide to repeal the directive entirely.
The seven-time world champion tested the W14 at Silverstone, where the team is holding a filming day that allows them to run 100 kilometres in the vehicle. George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate who shook down the car yesterday, did the first half of the day’s running. Rain poured on the course during the day, so the squad started off on full wet weather tyres. Both drivers had previously returned to the track when they did Pirelli tyre testing in Jerez, Spain, in early February. Hamilton stated that he felt in good shape after not “taking too much of a break” from training throughout the winter.
“I got in the car, completed 160 or so laps in Jerez, and I felt fantastic,” he told RaceFans yesterday. “Like always, after the first day of running the back of your neck is always a sore part, and then you just grow used to it. “I’m sure, still, after the first days that we’re racing, your body is still getting accustomed to the forces, since the car should ideally be quicker this year. Yes, but never lose sight of the fact that you’re also trying to enjoy your time and be present with the folks you’re with.”
