F1 teams and drivers divided over new era of political activism
Jul.22 - The Formula 1 paddock is becoming divided over the topic of how politically active the teams and drivers should be.
The big issue at present is working on measures to reduce the alleged sexist and homophobic insults made against certain fans by other spectators at the recent Austrian GP.
It is something world champion Max Verstappen is being asked about a lot at present, as the perception is that his fans are some of the most problematic.
"Of course things like insults from the fans should not happen," the Red Bull driver said at Paul Ricard.
"But I don't think I should always speak about it, and if I was constantly talking about what is happening in the world, I would be writing on social media non-stop.
"I am constantly being asked to answer questions about politics. But I'm just a Formula 1 driver," Verstappen, 24, added.
At the other end of the spectrum are outspoken political activists like Verstappen's rivals Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
The latter seven-time time world champion on Thursday bemoaned the fact that a single team - believed to be Red Bull - is refusing to sign up to his own Hamilton Commission's push for greater diversity and inclusion.
"Formula 1 continuously needs to do more. All the teams need to do more," Hamilton, 37, said ahead of the French GP.
"I think we are very close to getting this diversity inclusion charter going and I think it's still one team - still the same team - is not willing to engage.
"I'm grateful to see the other teams are willing to step forward and do the work."
Verstappen, on the other hand, is known for being outspoken - but he is keen for his opinions to be kept out of the political realm.
"If they ask me, I express my opinion," said the Dutchman. "But I don't have to form a political movement. I'm just a racer. A sportsman.
"I think if something happens like what happened in Austria, I think it should be solved by Formula 1 - not the drivers."
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"I think if something happens like what happened in Austria, I think it should be solved by Formula 1 - not the drivers."
Maxxy, they are YOUR fans. You have some responsibility. Formula 1 is an entity made up of humans, not a living being. You are part of that entity.
Max is correct. Keep politics out of sport. It is now known that BLM is a Maoist organisation and should not be encouraged. Diversity and Inclusion: If you are a good driver you will get in. If you are not you will not, and should not on the basis of D&I.
Hmmmmmm the issue I have with Austria is the Austrian police don't mess about... draw gun arrest 1st then see what the issue is, very much like German Politzei, however it seems no one saw anything, no one recorded anything and no one was arrested, so unless I've missed something and I may have... The only important word in the article is alleged, now place that next to the word sexist/ homophobic or racist and before you know it,everyone's on the bandwagon so to speak, I don't know what was chanted and by whom, enlighten me with facts someone, as for The dames new initiative- The Hamilton Diversity Inclusion Charter , give it a rest..whats it actually mean yep sod all , for fear of repeating myself, exactly the same as the whole Hamilton commission on, Heh google could have given me most of the info contained in the report.Here endeth another rant...
Whilst I have never particularly been a Lewis Hamilton fa, I have respected him as a driver. However, his recent foray into politics and outbursts on an issue that arose due to inappropriate actions by police officers in America, is completely misplaced and improper and caused me to lose all respect for him. Hamilton needs to look in the mirror, and see that he is an F1 competitor, not a world authority on comments made by others concerning people's life choices and origins. Lewis has become a true wanker of the highest order, full of his own self importance and greed.
I don't always agree with Max, as in the past he sometimes put his mouth into gear before engaging the brain, however, he is completely correct on this issue and I absolutely respect him for it. I am glad to see Max is keeping away from world politics and believe he will gain more respect from the paddock and the spectators for his stance.
Hamilton should put his (vast) money where his mouth is. He needs to concentrate on driving, which he is paid to do, but is consistently being outdriven by George Russell. Lewis..go and start your own inclusive, diverse team or go into politics OR shut up.
Hamilton has put his money where his mouth is. Anyhow LH and vettel voice an opinion and you tell them to shut up, if you think that's ok I presume it's ok for me to tell you to shut up.
Has he ? don't believe everything The Dame tells you , and the media, or are you gullible enough to believe everything ?
The "Hamilton Commission" push for greater inclusion and diversity is the thin-edge-of-the-wedge. Here we have yet another example of woke, LGBTQ2S cancel culture imposing their minority will on those about them. Ironically, the problem with ALL this left-wing BS, is that it places a value on human life. In this case, a (any) victim has more value than any member of the privileged white patriarchy - and in so doing, dehumanises everyone. Lastly, it is a form of political bullying - and drives a certain kind of speech. Any kind of directed speech by a governing body greatly erodes freedom of speech - which is the cornerstone of an open and democratic society. It is happening here in The Democratic Peoples Republic of Canada all the time.
Congratulations very erudite and concise Thank you for taking the time to sumerise the situation so accurately and precisely.
And when a people are dehumanised - turned into an object - they are easier to eliminate. All the experts agree - Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, Trudeau.