FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem has back-peddled on inferences Formula One stars Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Lando Norris should stay away from human rights and political issues and focus on driving.
In an interview earlier this week with GrandPrix247, Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying: “Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving. Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health.
“Everybody has the right to think. To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in something over the sport all the time,” he said.
READ MORE: Disgraced stars hit with bans as golf war explodes
READ MORE: NBA star’s family fumes over fans’ ‘shameful’ act
READ MORE: ‘Predictable’ Blues ‘too Pantherised’ says Gus
“I am from an Arabian culture. I am international and Muslim. I do not impose my beliefs on other people. No way! Never. If you look at my operation in the UAE: 16 nationalities! Name me one federation that has that many nationalities,” Ben Sulayem said.
“On top, there are over 34 per cent women and seven religions. And even more Christians than Muslims. I am proud because it creates credibility and merit.
“But do I go and pose my beliefs? No.”
https://twitter.com/Ben_Sulayem/status/1534851239548157952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In a Tweet that did not reference the interview directly, Ben Sulayem attempted to back away from the earlier comments saying he “always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society”.
“That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate. In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.”
The FIA is the governing body of Formula One and world motorsport.
Hamilton has been a vocal supporter for many human rights issues, and has been a critic of Formula 1 racing in Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He has previously accused both of “sportswashing” – essentially hosting large sporting events to distract from abuses throughout the country. Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup in November.
Hamilton even wore a rainbow helmet at last year’s Qatar Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel has also this week appeared on the cover of Attitude magazine – a UK-based LGBTQ+ publication, while Lando Norris has also spoken about his battles with anxiety upon his debut with McLaren in 2019.
Nicki Lauda’s arch rival James Hunt was often vocal on human rights issues, particularly against apartheid in South Africa.
The Formula 1 championship continues this weekend with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.