F1 drivers all concerned by new FIA rule as Alex Albon voices discontent

06 February 2023 , 15:55

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Alex Albon gave his thoughts on the FIA's protest ban (Image: Williams Racing)

Alex Albon has pleaded for greater "clarity" around the new rule banning Formula 1 drivers from unsanctioned protests.

The FIA has changed the wording of the sporting code, meaning anyone who wants to make a "personal, religious or political statement" must seek prior approval. If such an action is carried out by a driver without that consent, they would face punishment.

The move has been widely panned with some allegations that it infringes upon the drivers' right to protest. Speaking at the Williams season launch event, where their FW45 car livery was unveiled, Albon became the latest to voice his concern.

"We need clarity from the FIA on what they are trying to tell us," said the British-Thai racer. "It's hard to see, as drivers, what they are trying to say. We need to be able to speak freely, to a certain extent.

"Politics and stances – it is a very sensitive area. We were very much for We Race As One [F1's official anti-discrimination initiative]. We need clarity and I am sure we are going to get clarity.

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"With who we are, and the media, and the engagement we have to our fans and the people who watch, a lot of people look to us as spokespeople for issues around the world, and I do feel it is a responsibility for drivers to make people aware of these situations."

Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas are against the idea of a protest ban (Getty Images)

Referring to the wider conflict between the FIA and F1 chiefs, he added: "We are all concerned. I know that between F1 and the FIA they are trying to get everything together in the same form of communication. At the minute there is a little bit of confusion."

Albon's words come after Red Bull driver Sergio Perez said last week of the rule change : "It's something we don't feel comfortable with... I get the political side, but we all should be free to express ourselves the way we want. I believe, in the sport, it's important."

And Valtteri Bottas has also spoken out against it : "I don't understand why they want to control us. I think we should have the right to talk about what we want. That's how I see it, but we'll see what happens."

Daniel Moxon