George Russell asserts that Formula 1 drivers won’t be restricted from speaking their minds following the ban on political statements from the FIA.
The rule has been met with backlash from several drivers, including Russell’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton has been one of the most vocal voices on the grid across the last several years, using his F1 platform to raise awareness of diversity and human rights issues.
Russell says that the drivers who wish to speak out will continue to do so as he criticised the FIA for its injunction.
“I’m not too sure why the FIA have taken a stance like this, I think it’s totally unnecessary in the sport and the world we live in at the moment,” he said.
“Naturally we are seeking clarification and I trust it will be resolved. I’d like to think it’s been some kind of misunderstanding, but on that I’m not too sure.
“We’re not going to limit our views or our thoughts because of some silly regulation. We’re all here to have free speech and share whatever views we may have.”
The ban is one of several controversial incidents involving the FIA and its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem during the winter break.
Earlier this month, Ben Sulayem confirmed that he would no longer be directly involved with F1 activities, with the duties being managed by Nikolas Tombazis.
When questioned about Ben Sulayem’s retreat, Russell said: “To be honest I haven’t spoken to Mohammed since he announced his stepback from F1.
“But I have been in contact with Niels [Wittich, F1’s Race Director ]on a more sporting and racing perspective.
“And we’ve got a really strong dialogue, of which all of the views of the drivers are being shared and put forward and he’s put questions to us, just to try and shape the future and help improve what is already a really great sport.
“In terms of dialogue with Mohammed, yeah, I guess we’ll have to have that conversation at some point of what the right way to go about this is.”
