Lando Norris of McLaren anticipates a U-turn by the F1 organization on a new regulation requiring drivers to get prior written consent before making any “political” statements during races.
At the team's 2023 vehicle debut on Monday, Norris told reporters that drivers need to have the freedom to express their opinions and stand up for causes they support.
The 23-year-old Briton, who has previously spoken up about mental health difficulties, felt that there had been enough pressure and enough stated to maybe do a little U-turn.
We shouldn't have to inquire about everything and state, “Can we do this, can we do that?,” since we are not at a classroom. I believe that we are mature enough to attempt and make wise choices.
“Perhaps individuals sometimes make foolish choices, but that occurs in life. I believe that enough drivers have spoken out at this point to push back a little bit,” he said, adding that he would even be willing to pay a small fine.
As their teams introduce new vehicles and liveries, a number of drivers have spoken out against any restrictions on their right to free expression during the preseason.
This month, Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula One, gave them assurances that the company would never attempt to silence anybody.
A language demanding prior written consent for drivers to make or exhibit “political, religious, and personal remarks or comments” during races was included by the FIA to its amended International Sporting Code last December.
Since that time, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has informed the heads of the Formula One teams that he would stand aside from overseeing the sport's daily operations and give it over to qualified management.
