First Published via HUB Magazine when I was Culture Editor.

Date marked: 24th February 2023.

The new season of Formula 1 begins soon, with much excitement over the latest cars, particularly Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Black Mercedes W14. But unfortunately, it also begins with some new rules, and Sir Lewis Hamilton seems to be the target of these unnecessary rules.

Throughout the years, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have made various political statements through their clothing and even helmets. From LGBTQ+ rights to Black Lives Matter to environmental matters, though their actions have been frowned upon, there has never been a ban before. They have led to an increase in political statements over the last three years.

However, Sebastian Vettel, who drove for Ferrari in his last season, retired after the 2022 season. So, the FIA coincidentally added the ban when Lewis Hamilton is the only racer it affects.

Sir Lewis Hamilton is a driver for Mercedes, previously McLaren, who has won 103 races in his career. He previously discussed racism inside Formula 1, especially at the start of his career. However, unlike most Formula 1 racers, Sir Lewis Hamilton has always used his platform for good and to encourage change.

For the 2022 season, Mercedes’s design for Lewis Hamilton’s helmet had a big rainbow through the top of this overall green helmet. Though amongst the political ban, Mercedes has once again designed a helmet with elements of a rainbow, and it is not as large as the 2022 season. Nevertheless, Sir Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are making a stand.

The FIA ban on personal, religious, and political statements may end in fines or even a risk of being banned from racing. Though, Mercedes and Sir Lewis Hamilton are not ones to hide from the risk of a fine.

Sir Lewis Hamilton is not the only racer to speak up about the FIA ban. His Mercedes teammate George Russell has backed up Sir Lewis Hamilton in hopes that this ban will be solved before the 2023 season starts.

The timing of this entire discourse still seems suspicious. Suppose Sir Lewis Hamilton did not have the support of his teammates and a record of seven championship wins. In that case, this ban could end Sir Lewis Hamilton’s career. In previous seasons, he had Sebastian Vettel by his side, who also took risks in making political statements. Now Sir Lewis Hamilton is alone, they have introduced this rule.

Whether in his racing or activism, Sir Lewis Hamilton is not one to back down from intimidation. For example, Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from qualifying in the 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, meaning he began at the back of the grid. Yet, he overtook all positions and ended up winning.

At the launch of the new black Mercedes car on the topic of the FIA political ban. Sir Lewis Hamilton said:

I wasn’t watching the news over the winter, but I have heard it. It doesn’t surprise me, but nothing will stop me from speaking about what I feel passionate about and the issues there are. The sport has a responsibility to speak out on things and create awareness of important topics when we travel to all these places. So, nothing changes.

Not only did Sir Lewis Hamilton make political statements at Formula 1, but alongside Mercedes, they launched a scholarship programme. Ignite partnership aims to increase diversity in racing through increasing support for young girls in motor sport and grants a scholarship to at least ten Black students across 2023 to 2025 academic years. In addition, each year, at least five undergrad students will be given a scholarship for a master’s degree in engineering and much more.

There has been a lot of debate around Sir Lewis Hamilton’s political statements and other sports involvement in political statements. Sir Lewis Hamilton has a platform that many activists can only dream of. He also changes himself, so he should be allowed to express his politics.

Referencing-

BBC Sport. “I am still going to be speaking my mind – Lewis Hamilton”. Andrew Benson. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/64651611

Formula 1. “Hamilton takes victory in Brazil after stunning drive from P10 and pass on Verstappen”. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-victory-in-brazil-after-stunning-drive-from-p10-and-pass-on.6svQJahOZ1FjwZHX0Zm3Bx.html

Independent. “George Russell takes aim at ‘silly’ FIA political ban”. Kieran Jackson. https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/george-russell-mercedes-car-launch-fia-political-ban-b2282953.html

Independent. “Lewis Hamilton escapes fine for wearing nose stud but Mercedes pay penalty”. Philip Duncan. https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lewis-hamilton-fia-british-singapore-grand-prix-silverstone-b2190351.html

Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. “Ignite Partnership announces inaugural grants to boost UK motorsport”. https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/marsF1/en/instance/ko/Ignite-Partnership-announces-inaugural-grants-to-boost-UK-motorsport.xhtml?oid=189016170

Sky Sports. “Lewis Hamilton: ‘Nothing will stop me’ from speaking out in Formula 1 despite FIA free speech ban”. https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12472/12811775/lewis-hamilton-nothing-will-stop-me-from-speaking-out-in-formula-1-despite-fia-free-speech-ban