McLaren to discuss free speech concerns with FIA

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella says he plans to open a dialogue with the FIA about restoring Formula 1 drivers’ freedom of speech.

The move comes amid growing discontent over FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s approach to regulating driver behaviour, particularly around swearing and public comments.

"We've since amended Section B of the International Sporting Code to ease the sanctions against swearing," Ben Sulayem said during the British Grand Prix. "So we did listen to the drivers."

Despite that, Article 12.2.1.f still allows penalties for “any words, deeds or writings” deemed damaging to the FIA’s reputation or values, a clause some see as too vague and restrictive.

Max Verstappen, for example, has noticeably toned down his remarks in recent press conferences, having previously spoken out about that very clause, and at Silverstone, Oscar Piastri held back after receiving a controversial 10-second penalty for braking behind the safety car.

"I think I'll get myself banned for the year if I say anything here," the Australian remarked. "I'm not going to say much," he added later. "I'll get myself in trouble."

McLaren boss Stella defended Piastri’s restraint but acknowledged the wider concern. "In such a heated environment, we always recommend our drivers watch the scenes on video first and then comment," he told Auto Motor und Sport.

However, he believes there should still be space for drivers to express themselves without fear of sanctions.

"If you're no longer allowed to make fair statements because you could get into trouble for it, that's a different issue," Stella said. "We need to reconsider that. We'll do it together with the FIA.

"We don't want to start a dispute, and there's no conflict of interest on this point either. The various parties have the same interest," he added. "We always take a cooperative stance with the FIA and the stewards."