Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes the sporting enviornment just isn’t the place to lift political points

While he made it clear that he was a agency believer in everybody’s proper to freedom of speech, the 13-time Grand Prix winner advocated for athletes to not “hijack” sporting occasions to impose their political opinions on others. Do it.

Asked about F1 drivers and athletes from different sports activities having political beliefs, Coulthard mentioned: “I am going to a soccer match or a Grand Prix or Wimbledon to look at the game. I’m not a single individual on any topic. does not wish to go there to hearken to the state of affairs. Each of us has one thing or the opposite that’s essential to us. Everyone has totally different backgrounds, religions, beliefs! We all deserve it. But for me a stage taking part in area That just isn’t the place we must be (elevating political points).

“Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc have the power to call a press conference on a Monday – away from sport – and talk about things that are important to them. Why not do it on a Monday? Let’s race days. Let’s race for,” mentioned Coulthard, who’s in Mumbai for the Red Bull present on Sunday, the place he’ll drive the RB7 automotive pushed by Sebastian Vettel to the F1 title on the Bandstand in Bandra.

In December final 12 months, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula 1’s governing physique, launched new guidelines that prohibit drivers and groups from making or displaying “political, religious and personal statements or comments”. restrain from those that violate the traditional.” principle of neutrality” until beforehand authorised in writing by the FIA.

Following criticism from the drivers, the FIA ​​then clarified that it will permit drivers to precise their views on any political, non secular or private matter “before, during and after a race”, and outdoors the scope of worldwide competitors. . ,

In addition to going through criticism from human rights teams, these rules additionally drew a powerful backlash from former world champion Lewis Hamilton.

“Let nothing cease me from talking about issues I’m enthusiastic about. The sport has a duty to talk up,” Hamilton advised reporters on the Mercedes automotive launch forward of the beginning of the present season.

As F1’s solely black driver, Hamilton has been outspoken about social causes. He wore a T-shirt demanding justice for Breonna Taylor on the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix and raced within the Middle East sporting a helmet that featured a rainbow to point out solidarity with LGBTQIA individuals in Qatar, the place homosexuality is against the law Is.