Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard is backing the FIA rule that prohibits drivers from issuing unauthorised political or personal statements.
The rule was instated ahead of the 2023 campaign, with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel speaking out on matters such as equality and climate change awareness in recent years.
Valtteri Bottas has questioned the FIA’s invention, believing it is not right that the governing body wants to “control” the drivers.
But Coulthard suggested that it’s better for the drivers to “concentrate on the sport” going forward.
“Sport is watched by millions of people all over the world and therefore it can be used as a platform to do something good,” he said.
“But as an athlete, you are also very lucky to get paid to do things that others would do for nothing at all.
“And it’s a bit like an acceptance speech at the Oscars. If everyone uses the opportunity to make a political statement, there is no issue that is not important to someone.
“So we either have to mention everything, or maybe it’s better not to say anything at all and concentrate on the sport.
“I understand that there are people who promote freedom of speech and all that, and that is absolutely an important thing to keep in mind, but I also think that we have to remember that it is the sporting rules that we are talking about, not some political regulation.”
The move has been backed by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who labelled driver activism in recent years as “out of control”.
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