WHERE DOES THE CENSORSHIP END?
It was only a one-paragraph change to the international sporting code but grand prix racing’s governor, the Federation International de l’Automobile, laid down what it must have thought was a necessary new caveat to the rules of engagement during the dying throes of 2022. By effectively outlawing Formula 1 drivers from making “political, religious or personal” statements during a grand prix weekend, it has opened a can of worms. You have to wonder what, precisely, comes next and how far this could go. Would, for example, the rulemakers further decide that a driver criticising a rival’s ability to drive in the event of a collision be going too far as well? Is this the thin end of the wedge?
Formula 1 drivers are heroes and rightly so. They have spent their life dedicated to making the absolute most of their ability, eschewing all distractions to guarantee they can perform at the highest level. That alone should afford them respect and the right to make their voices heard when they want them to be.
The two prime movers in terms of making their opinions heard have been four-time World beater Sebastian Vettel, now retired, and seven-time king of the road Lewis Hamilton. They have brought attention to issues that they hold dear in a number of ways including sporting T-shirts to highlight their beliefs and wearing different crash helmet designs to turn the spotlight onto issues they cherish. And, my mind, they should be able to use their global platform to (at least attempt to) make changes for good in the World in which they live.
At the time of going to press with this issue, Hamilton had yet to respond to this new regulation but, if anything, it seems almost targeted at him now Vettel has departed the paddock. If Hamilton was falling out of love with the sport – which he says he hasn’t yet – the moves like this will only hasten his departure, which will be a real shame.
Elsewhere in this issue, we pick out our Defining Moments of 2022, a season that has thrown up a host of new talents and has featured a fair amount of controversy in its own right. It will now be consigned to the record books as the best-laid plans are being drawn up for battle in 2023, but it is worth one last look back.
There is a review of both the short oval racing hits of the year and our category expert Hal Ridge recalls a record-breaking season in the 5 Nations British Rallycross competition.
We also run the rule over the controversy surrounding the dramatic 1983 British Saloon Car Championship and speak to the leading players in a contest that was dragged through the courts and not settled until the August of 1984. Hopefully there will be none of that drama as we embrace 2023.