F1 drivers need clarity on political statements, says Albon

Twitter

Formula One drivers need more guidance from the governing FIA on what they can say at races this season after a rule change caused concern, Williams driver Alex Albon said on Monday.

The FIA updated the International Sporting Code last December with a clause requiring prior written permission for drivers to make or display "political, religious and personal statements or comments".

The move has been a pre-season talking point, with uncertainty about how it might be applied in practice.

"It seems quite a broad subject ... we need clarity from the FIA on what they are trying to tell us," Albon told reporters during a livery launch at the team's factory.

"We need to be open in dialogue about what they are trying to do. We need to be able to speak freely to some extent. I'm sure we're going to get clarity later on what really they are trying to say."

Some have already expressed concern about the move, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez saying last Friday that they needed to be able to speak freely. 

Human rights groups have also criticised the FIA's position. 

"A lot of people come to us and look at us as spokespeople for issues around the world and I do feel like it is a responsibility for drivers to make people aware of these kind of situations," said Albon.

"We're all concerned," added the British-born Thai.

The season starts in Bahrain on March 5.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Score

    7:00pm - 9:00pm

    Hosted by Chris McHardy, The Score is your comprehensive guide to the world of sport.

  • The Music Mix

    9:00pm - 11:00pm

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!