The FIA’s recent decision to impose restrictions on the political statements Formula 1 drivers can now make has been branded a “bit unnecessary” by Max Verstappen.
In December, the sport’s governing body introduced a ruling to the international sporting code banning any driver competing in an FIA-recognised series from being allowed to make any “political, religious or personal” statements or comments without being granted approval beforehand.
Although Verstappen has agreed with the sentiment that he is one of the less outspoken drivers on the grid in modern times, the two-time F1 title winner has highlighted the unfairness of such constraints and believes it isn’t something that should be enforced.
“I think personally everyone’s different,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1.
“Some people are more outspoken than others, I’m not normally that outspoken of that because first all of it’s tough as a racing driver to be fully committed as well in terms of going into everything and making sure you know all the facts right.
“But I don’t think that it is necessary because in a way you are basically making sure that people are not allowed to speak anymore, which I think we should be allowed. And of course like I said before, some people will speak more, some not, but it was probably a bit unnecessary, yeah.”
By condoning the FIA’s attempts to censor what the drivers can say from this season onwards, Verstappen has become the next high-profile figure to criticise its implementation, joining other senior Red Bull figures and Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas in speaking out in recent times.
It has come at a time when relations between the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the F1 teams have become increasingly fractious in recent weeks, with disputes surrounding the potential entry of new teams and speculation over the sale of the sport’s commercial rights the cause of considerable tension.
While Verstappen admitted he was obviously disturbed about the ongoing fall-out, the reigning champion is confident the two sides are in discussions and a sensible resolution will be found in the near future to enable the entire sport to head in the same direction collectively.
“Yeah, for sure,” was Verstappen’s response when asked if he was concerned about the strained nature of the situation involving the FIA and F1.
“I always think that is very important and I’m sure of course, they are talking and I’m sure they also want to have a good relationship, and, yeah, let’s hope of course that will be resolved soon.”
Verstappen was present in New York for the livery unveiling of Red Bull’s 2023 car, the RB19, as well as the official announcement the team’s powertrains division would be linking up with American automotive giant Ford to tackle the sport’s newest engine regulations coming in 2026.
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