Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has called the International Automobile Federation’s (FIA) decision to clamp down on drivers expressing their views on race day as “unnecessary”.
The governing body announced towards the end of last year that political, religious or personal statements made by drivers would need FIA permission before doing so.
The move was met with criticism from a number of drivers, most especially seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been one of the most vocal voices on the F1 grid about social issues.
Verstappen is not as vocal as Hamilton but he believes drivers should be allowed to talk about whatever matters to them.
“I think you first have to know that everyone is different,” the two-time world champion said as per Crash.net. “Some people are a bit more outspoken than others.
“Normally I’m not that outspoken. First of all, it’s difficult for a driver to fully focus on that. You really have to throw yourself into everything and have all the facts straight, but I don’t think it’s necessary.
“You ensure that people are not allowed to talk anymore. I think people should be allowed to. Like I said, some people will talk a little more, some a little less. I think it was a bit unnecessary.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also echoed Verstappen’s views, asserting F1 should not be filled with robots that can’t speak their minds.
“We certainly at Red Bull have never constrained our drivers of their freedom of speech, or the ability to speak their minds because they do have a voice,” he said.
“I think it’s a matter of finding a balance. In the world that we live in today, everybody has a voice and that shouldn’t be suppressed.
“But of course, it does have to be done responsibly. So, we don’t want a load of robots that are without an opinion going racing. Like with all things, it just has to be a sensible balance.”
Red Bull have confirmed partnering with Ford from 2026 when new engine regulations take effect. The American automobile giant becomes the second manufacturer that will join the grid in 2026 as an engine supplier following Audi which will take over the entire operations of Sauber, currently operating under the Alfa Romeo brand.
