Politicisation of F1 'unavoidable' now according new FIA boss
Jun.6 - New FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem says it's "unavoidable" that Formula 1 has become a much more political environment than ever.
World champions Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and others have led the emergence of social, political and environmental issues in the paddock, which in theory is against FIA statutes.
"Unfortunately, it's unavoidable," new FIA president Ben Sulayem told Speed Week.
"Of course you try to separate sport and politics, as one of the core values of the FIA is neutrality. Sport must always be the focus.
"But sometimes acting politically is unavoidable. I always say it's ok to be political, but we can't just become politicians. We have to keep the balance."
He said that while Niki Lauda and Alain Prost were solely focused on F1, Vettel is "committed to environmental protection and sexual orientation tolerance.
"Lewis is committed to fighting racism," Sulayem added. "Lando Norris addresses the thorny issue of mental health.
"All of this is a testament to how diverse our world has become, with numerous issues that need to be tackled. But it's also about not imposing your worldview on others and putting it above sport.
"I am a Muslim but would I ever force my culture on other people? Never!"
At the same time, however, the popularity of Formula 1 is soaring - but Ben Sulayem thinks the reason for that is covid-19.
"The pandemic changed people's attitudes," he said. "People want to have fun again and enjoy life like before the pandemic.
"Then there is America, where Formula 1 is experiencing a boom. We've had American drivers and races there before, but what is happening now is different.
"We have to keep up this momentum with a healthy balance between sport, entertainment and business."
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Of course & has always been.
From a fan's perspective, I can assure you that I'm not interested in what drivers, team principals or F1 have to say about any of those issues. In fact, I will drop F1 faster than a hot potato the second it crosses the line (again).
"I am a Muslim but would I ever force my culture on other people? Never!"
Really.....! I mean Really..!
Formula 1 is NOT about subjective social-media voodoo.
Allowing politics (or religion) to interrupt the purpose and direction of a sport is a huge mistake by sports' governing bodies, and team management.
If it against the axioms of FIA to introduce these distractions, then crippling fines or sanctions should be associated with breaking the rules. Like drivers being awarded a 5-race ban, or teams facing a $20 million fine. Any other ideas?
I watch F1 for the excitement of witnessing talented drivers pushing themselves and their extreme machines to the limit - it is an activity that relieves me of the world around me. It strips away the layers of cautious and un-offensive drivel that makes up the world today. For two hours I am enthralled, and free of the bulls__t.
It is unspeakably annoying to have Dame Lucille, Vettel - and their ilk - being allowed to cudgel me with their political nausea and forcing me to be spattered with their oh-so-inclusive unoffensive vomit.
FFS.
Here here
Yeah sky churning out the same shite week in week out
F### all the politics & political correctness just STFU&D that's what race fans around the world really want
It's funny watching you all whine more than Max and Lewis combined Lol. Such irony. And you think your whining is justified.
Here's an idea. Alleviate your frustration and stop watching F1. Think you're important? Nobody will miss you as the fanbase is still growing so go watch Nascar instead. Lol smh.
So now we have Mercedes-Benz, Hass and other teams virtue-signalling by supporting Pride Month for the next three races. FFS.
Some gawd-awful victims' group gets a Month a year to make us all feel guilty.
Blacks get "Black History Month" in the US. Canada celebrates "Aboriginal Month".
What are some of the other victim's months out there - let's hear from you, post it below.
Don't be shy.
The person that posts the most ridiculous example will be awarded a free Crisco Massage with a guaranteed happy ending.
F1 missing a trick againnnnnn, denounce Russia and Putin, throw out drivers and sponsors , take in refugees, give em rockets and guns fine.....
But every car should have # We Stand With Ukraine on it , if it was good enough for MS or Senna after there accidents , then surely.....
If politicisation is unavoidable , come on MBS what are you playing at, or perhaps not Yemen situation , oh well I tried
Can someone explain to me why GR should not be driving for mercedes, wouldn't be because he keeps finishing above Sir Lulu WOULD IT.??!!
what he really means is , noone will miss the fraudster, finding new ways to complain about againnnn being beaten by the King
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