As expected, Lewis Hamilton was only too glad to address the FIA's proposed crackdown on driver activism, the seven-time champion warning that nothing will stop him speaking out.

Not only is the Ferrari launch the best so far, though admittedly the likes of Red Bull, AlphaTauri, Williams and Hass hadn't exactly set a high benchmark, it was the first at which the drivers didn't notably voice their feelings about the FIA's plan to limit activism.

However, all that changed today, when the man who has used the sport as a platform for various causes over the last couple of years vowed to continue speaking out for what he believes in.

"It doesn't surprise me," said Hamilton of the update to the International Sporting Code which is due to be discussed at next week's meeting of the F1 Commission. "But nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I feel that I'm passionate about and issues that there are.

"I feel the sport does have a responsibility still to always speak out on things, to create awareness and on important topics," he added. "Particularly as we're travelling to all these different places, and so nothing changes."

Assuming the FIA pushes ahead with the plan, it remains unclear how exactly drivers would be punished for speaking out, Lando Norris drawing the line at (championship) points deduction but willing to pay any fine.

"I think it would be silly to say that I would want to get penalty points for speaking out on things," said Hamilton. "But as I said to you, I'm still going to be speaking my mind. We still have this platform, there are still a lot of things that we need to tackle.

"The support of Stefano (Domenicali) has been amazing," he added. "I think all the drivers have been very much aligned on freedom of speech."

Next week sees pre-season testing take place in Bahrain, which also hosts the opening round of the season.

The main TV and radio networks in Bahrain are basically state-run, while the country's newspapers also take the government's stance on most issues.

According to the BBC, Bahrain has one of the "highest rates of internet penetration in the Arab world", while media watchdog Freedom House claims legislation is used to detain or jail critical journalists and online activists.

Perhaps those in Bahrain who wish to express their frustration might wish to seek out an understanding driver or two, willing to use their influence to help their cause.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 18/02/2023 1:43

"@Ed. Yes, I was just reinforcing a similar sentiment. James Hunt was no ones patsy. A real good gutsy driver. I'm fastly losing any respect I ever had for Dom especially his anti Andretti tirade. There must be more to this story? Your note re 'gay pic' says a lot about just how deep this 'up dated new age cultural cringe' has penetrated all levels of society. Here in Australia we are seeing the first glimmers of a fightback but whether it goes anywhere is anyone's guess. The new FIA penalties published will, I hope, be upheld otherwise why bother. "

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2. Posted by Editor, 17/02/2023 11:20

"@ Kenji,

I think you'll find that this is exactly what we said at the end of the article.

As for the reference elsewhere to James Hunt, I wonder how Stefano Domenicali would have reacted to James' infamous 'Sex - Breakfast of Champions' badge or indeed that "new shape, new sensitivity" product that Team Surtees used to promote.

Last night's Alpine launch was a prime example, a pure case of ticking every box imaginable - and this from a team that (as Renault) fired a prominent member (gay) of staff for tweeting a picture of two men kissing.

Last night, was about virtue signalling, and that is what the drivers will be doing, they will not be speaking out over things that really matter for in almost all cases this would this would compromise the wishes of sponsors or promoters... which is exactly where the criticism should be focussed."

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3. Posted by kenji, 17/02/2023 11:08

"Seeing as we are about to kick off the season next week it will be interesting to see just how brave certain drivers will be when competing in Bahrein. By brave I mean how far will they go in their criticism of the Bahrein Government and their 'human rights'. Amnesty International list quite a few matters of concern so will the 'F1 activists' avoid hypocrisy and openely criticise the Government starting next Thursday ? To remain shtum is not an option given their stated agenda. My guess is that he/they will remain silent but then again I may be surprised....."

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4. Posted by TokyoAussie, 17/02/2023 3:14

"I agree totally with Lewis. If there are ramifications, let them come from the public or the team. The FIA hold races in politically-questionable places; I don't think they are in a position to lecture anybody."

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5. Posted by kenji, 17/02/2023 0:26

"@MadMatt...That's the exact point that I've been making all along. The facts are being twisted for a particulat reason. They all know that they can say whatever they please, away from the F1 track/racing environment. Making out that they are being gagged is disingenious. "

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6. Posted by Mad Matt, 16/02/2023 18:36

"One of us appears to have missed the point: I don't think anyone is saying a driver can't speak about whatever they're interested in, be it a worthy cause or be it some kind of lunacy.... what the FIA is saying is that when they're at work at the track they should stick to racing topics.

Seems reasonable to me, most companies restrict staff to some extent on what they can say when they're working.

I really don't see this as a free speech issue.
"

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7. Posted by ClarkwasGod, 16/02/2023 14:04

"Kudos to Hamilton - whether you agree with him or not is irrelevant. Free speech is a right that must not be taken away - anywhere."

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8. Posted by kenji, 16/02/2023 2:16

"@Mad Matt....exactly so. I applaud your common sense. "

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9. Posted by alvarezh3, 15/02/2023 23:47

"Mr. Hamilton, If I were you I would be very very careful on what you say, where you say it. Remember what happened to you not long ago when you tried to impose your dress code at Wimbledon, it didn't go your way did it? And not that you were even close to being naked.

Yes, they pressed their rules on you and that may happen again if you try to impose yourself at a country or at a venue you have no authority over. At certain nations you can have a not too pleasant time as a consequence of what you say, I suggest you don't provoke their authority. Seven time F1 champion may mean a lot to your friends over in Hollywood, but not much (if any) to most governments.

Be clear that your words or actions may not be taken seriously by those who hold power, you are far, far away from being close to what the pillars Martin Luther King or Nelson Mandela were. Don't forget that your millions of followers do so because you are a sportsman, not an advocate for civil causes. Be careful and don't make the mistake of overrating yourself."

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10. Posted by Defiant, 15/02/2023 22:56

"I'm with you phantom. I find Lewis's SJW waffle irritating in the extreme but I'll respect him more if he actually follows through here. Being true to ones self really is the only way to live. All the Sheeple or the Karens who are so offended by his speech need to grow a pair. Debate him, ignore him, deride him or even despise him but trying to silence him is the last resort of the weak.

Waffle all you like Lewis, it'll just make more people dislike you."

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11. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 15/02/2023 21:55

"Just drive the car to the best of your ability.

Nothing more, nothing less."

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12. Posted by phantom, 15/02/2023 21:19

"Good for Lewis (not a fan). A person's principal duty is to be true to oneself. If you want to speak up, go ahead. People have the right to ignore or deride you. Some of those are already dead inside, afraid to speak up about anything. If more people called the crimes by their real name, there would no need to speak out."

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13. Posted by elsiebc, 15/02/2023 16:57

"Let him speak. It will surely endear less and less fans to him."

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14. Posted by Mad Matt, 15/02/2023 16:53

"He's still trying to make it all about himself and freedom of speech..... it's not... No-one is saying he can't say whatever he wants... just that he must do it on his own time.

I turn on F1 to see races, I believe there's a politics show for those interested in that."

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15. Posted by Superbird70, 15/02/2023 16:34

"Drivers/constructers points, sigh."

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"Nothing will stop me" speaking out, says Hamilton

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