FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem hailed Formula 1 drivers as "the stars of the show" – but warned them saying the wrong thing could land them in hot water.
Several drivers, in recent years especially, have used their platforms to promote good causes. Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were two of the most active in that regard, highlighting social injustices such as racism and homophobia as well as raising awareness of climate change.
There was nothing stopping them from doing that – but there is now. The FIA has now made it illegal for any driver to protest in a way which isn't pre-approved by the governing body, in a move it says brings it in line with other major sporting organisations such as FIFA and the IOC.
