Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he will continue to speak his mind on key issues and highlight problems even if his statements end up breaking FIA’s new rules surrounding free speech.

Going into the F1 2023 season, the Federation International de Automobile (FIA) has updated its rules and wants to refrain drivers from making ‘political, religious or personal’ statements or gestures without proper consent or prior communication and approval from the organization.

As reported by Nextbet sports news, Hamilton, who has always spoken his mind about issues and has been very vocal about social problems, says that he is prepared to break the new rules and accept any punishment that comes his way. The English driver has almost always voiced his concerns over racism, the lack of diversity in F1, and the need for inclusivity while he has also advocated for the LGBTQ+ community.

The FIA clampdown doesn’t faze him. “Nothing will stop me from speaking on the things I am passionate about,” he said.

“The sport has a responsibility to speak out and create awareness on important topics, particularly as we are travelling to different places. So, nothing changes.”

Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes George Russell also echoed the same sentiments. Russell said that such a clampdown is totally unnecessary in the sport and he doesn’t understand the FIA’s stance regarding this decision.

“We are not going to limit our thoughts because of some silly regulation. We are all going to share whatever views we have.

“Naturally we are seeking clarification and I trust it will be resolved. I would like to think it has been some sort of misunderstanding.”

Although the FIA’s decision to update its rules regarding free speech for motorsport drivers has advocated for a major change in policy, Formula One continues to maintain that there won’t be any major change.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali continues to insist that the new rule will not end up ‘gagging’ drivers from speaking their minds.

When asked about whether he’d risk punishments while still actively being vocal about speaking his mind, Hamilton said that it’s silly that it has come to the point where he has to choose, but even the threat of penalty points will not deter him from speaking out on the platform that he has been given.

“We still have this platform. The support of Stefano has been amazing and all the drivers have been very much aligned on freedom of speech,” Hamilton added.