F1 drivers to face scrutiny on political, religious displays

By The Associated Press

FILE - Fireworks go off as Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands crosses the finish line to win the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix auto race, at the Zandvoort racetrack, in Zandvoort, Netherlands, on Sept. 4, 2022. Formula One champion Max Verstappen will have a home race until at least 2025 after the Dutch Grand Prix agreed to a two-year contract extension, F1 said Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2021 at the seaside Zandvoort circuit for the first time since 1985 and has attracted packed crowds to cheer Red Bull driver Verstappen, who has won both races since its return. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Peter Dejong]

PARIS (AP) — Formula One drivers will need permission from the sport’s governing body to display political or religious statements starting in 2023. The FIA’s international sporting code, which governs the running of motorsport competitions, has been updated with new clauses under “breach of rules.” It now includes: “The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA its statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions…”