The New Zealander began this season driving for Red Bull, but his stay lasted only two rounds before the team opted to replace him with Isack Hadjar.

Red Bull has now confirmed Hadjar will partner Lawson next year, finalising a driver line-up that left Lawson both satisfied about his future and reflective about the setback that derailed his 2024 campaign.

A Difficult Start That Still Lingers

Lawson acknowledged that the abrupt nature of his early-season demotion left him confused and frustrated, particularly as both races took place at circuits he had never driven before.

The 22-year-old admitted the opening phase of the season had been a low point, explaining that he was “struggling to understand what [was] going on.”

He failed to score points in either event, and the short window he was given made it even harder to adjust.

“I would have liked to have thought that, with the right amount of time, I would have got my head around it, honestly,” he told the official Formula 1 channel.

“For me two races – I honestly don’t even really remember them, they were so short.”

Relief Ahead of the Final Round

The contrast with his current situation is stark.

Last year, and again early this season, Lawson faced significant uncertainty about his future.

This time, he heads into the championship finale knowing he will be on the grid next year, a change he says has lifted pressure off his shoulders.

“It’s probably a bit more relief than anything right now,” he admitted.

“It’s also nice going into this weekend knowing that – I can’t really remember the last time I had that.”

“So I’ll try and enjoy the weekend a little bit, but I think that it’s very positive and it’s exciting to be able to go into next year and spend the off-season with a proper plan.”

Tsunoda Falls Out of F1 After Difficult Season

Red Bull has also clarified the future of Yuki Tsunoda, who took over Lawson’s seat earlier in the year.

Tsunoda will not continue in Formula 1 next season after scoring only 30 points during his stint, a tally that put him behind both Lawson and Hadjar, who delivered stronger results for Racing Bulls.

The Japanese driver had previously been teammates with Lawson in Formula 1 and during earlier stages of their junior careers.

Asked whether he felt sympathy for Tsunoda, Lawson said it was a complicated situation.

“It’s tricky because in the same way I would feel for anybody that’s not in Formula 1, that’s worked a long time to get there, but at the same time there’s a lot of guys that don’t get the opportunity ever,” he said.

“He’s had a few years in the sport and I think it’s a very tough game, which obviously I’ve learned as well.”

The post Liam Lawson Suggests Red Bull Made a Mistake Firing Him With Bold New Claim appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The meeting aimed to clarify that Antonelli had not intentionally allowed Lando Norris to pass during the closing stages of the race.

Lambiase had initially noted on team radio that it appeared Antonelli “just pulled over and let Norris through,” a comment that suggested the young Mercedes driver had damaged Verstappen’s championship hopes.

Subsequent analysis of onboard footage revealed that Antonelli had suffered a significant snap of oversteer, nearly losing control of his car, and that Norris’s overtake was the result of driving circumstances rather than strategy.

Wolff Confirms Discussion With Lambiase

A video posted online after the race showed Wolff and Lambiase speaking alongside another Mercedes staff member.

Wolff described the exchange as productive, clearing any confusion from the heat of the moment.

“I spoke to GP, saw him, and obviously he’s emotional in that moment,” Wolff explained.

“Because they needed a P3, I guess, to win the championship. Now, they need more.”

Wolff provided details about the incident from the perspective of Antonelli in the car.

“I said to him, Kimi just went off. He had a bit of a moment in the previous corner, and then entry speed into that left-hander, put the gas down and at that moment, which can happen, that lost the position,” he said.

He added that Lambiase accepted the explanation, acknowledging that he had not seen the full situation.

“So with GP, everything is clear. Cleared the air. He said he didn’t see the situation. Why would we do this?”

Marko Walks Back Comments

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko took longer to retract his earlier statements about Antonelli intentionally yielding to Norris.

By Monday following the race, Marko issued a public apology and clarified his position:

“I took another close look at the footage. The first time, Antonelli could have held his ground a little better. The second time, it was a driving error and not intentional. I’m sorry that Antonelli got so much flak online. To clarify once again: he didn’t let Norris pass on purpose.”

Marko’s comments followed widespread criticism from fans and media alike, highlighting the dangers of premature speculation in high-stakes races.

The incident also prompted Mercedes to report abusive online messages aimed at Antonelli to the FIA, reinforcing the governing body’s stance on safe and respectful participation in motorsport.

Impact on the Championship

Antonelli’s mistake did not affect his overall rookie campaign, which has seen him consistently challenge more experienced drivers and fight for positions near the front of the grid.

Norris’s final-lap overtake, combined with Verstappen’s victory in Qatar, meant that the championship fight would continue to the final race in Abu Dhabi.

Had Antonelli held position for just a few more corners, Verstappen could have clinched the title earlier.

The clarification from Wolff and the retraction from Red Bull have now quelled much of the online speculation, allowing Antonelli to focus on the end-of-season race without the distraction of unfounded accusations.

Mercedes emphasised that the rookie’s error was purely a driving incident, part of the learning curve for a young driver under pressure.

Wider Lessons for F1 Teams

The episode serves as a reminder to teams, engineers, and advisors to be cautious before making public judgments about driver actions during races.

High emotions, split-second decisions, and incomplete information can often lead to misinterpretations with significant consequences for reputations and fan reactions.

With the final race approaching, Wolff and Mercedes are focused on supporting Antonelli and finishing the season strongly.

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s public clarification serves as a warning to the paddock about the impact of commentary and the responsibility teams carry in shaping narratives.

The post Wolff Meets Verstappen’s Engineer to Clear the Air Over Antonelli Incident appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The 19-year-old faced a wave of abuse after comments from Red Bull personnel suggested he had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake him during the closing laps.

Antonelli had been defending fourth position against Norris in the final stages of the race.

A mistake on the last lap allowed the McLaren driver to pass, a result that proved critical for the championship battle.

With Max Verstappen winning the race, Norris’s fourth-place finish positioned him to secure the 2025 world title by reaching the podium at the final race in Abu Dhabi.

Clarifying the On-Track Incident

Both Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko and Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase initially speculated that Antonelli had intentionally let Norris through, undermining Verstappen’s championship hopes.

However, onboard footage clearly showed that Antonelli experienced a massive oversteer moment, nearly losing control of his Mercedes, which allowed Norris to pass.

There was no evidence of intentional yield or team orders in play.

Following these claims, Antonelli was subjected to abusive messages on social media.

Red Bull and Marko subsequently issued apologies, acknowledging that their public commentary was misleading and had contributed to the harassment of the young driver.

FIA Statement on Abuse

The governing body has now publicly addressed the situation.

In a post released on social media, the FIA said:

“The FIA and its United Against Online Abuse campaign condemns abuse and harassment in any form.”

The statement emphasized the importance of a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the sport.

“It remains absolutely critical that everyone operating within our sport can do so in a safe and respectful environment,” it added.

The FIA urged fans and participants alike to treat drivers, teams, and officials with respect and compassion.

Antonelli’s Response to Harassment

In response to the abuse, Antonelli temporarily changed his Instagram profile picture to a blank image, likely as a measure to reduce attention from trolls.

Despite the online harassment, he has continued to perform impressively in his debut season with Mercedes.

Antonelli is currently just two points behind seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton heading into the final race, highlighting his strong rookie campaign.

The young Italian’s season has been marked by both promise and learning experiences.

The Qatar incident serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by rookie drivers competing at the highest level, especially when championship positions are at stake.

Red Bull Acknowledges Error

Red Bull released a formal statement clarifying the situation:

“Comments made before the end of and immediately after the Qatar GP suggesting that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake him are clearly incorrect.”

The statement confirmed that replay footage showed Antonelli losing control momentarily, which unintentionally allowed Norris past.

“We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse,” the statement concluded.

Looking Ahead for Antonelli

After a challenging few weeks, Antonelli is expected to take time off during the winter to recharge for the upcoming 2026 season.

Mercedes and the FIA have both emphasized the importance of protecting young drivers from online harassment, aiming to prevent similar situations in the future.

The incident has also sparked broader discussions about accountability and responsible commentary in Formula 1.

Team personnel, fans, and media outlets are reminded of the impact that public statements can have on the mental well-being of drivers, particularly rookies.

The post FIA Responds to Max Verstappen Fans Abusing Kimi Antonelli appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

The pair were photographed sitting together outside Ferrari’s hospitality area, prompting questions from fans about whether the conversation was a casual catch-up or something more meaningful.

The image circulated widely on social media shortly after being shared by an attendee in the paddock.

D’Ambrosio, who joined Ferrari in late 2024 after holding senior roles at Mercedes, was seen greeting Onoro before the two engaged in conversation at a small outdoor table.

Their meeting took place as Ferrari continues to endure a difficult season under the leadership of Lewis Hamilton, who has yet to secure a podium since switching from Mercedes at the start of the year.

Background: D’Ambrosio’s Move to Ferrari and Onoro’s Role

Jerome D’Ambrosio left Mercedes to join Ferrari in October 2024, taking on responsibilities as deputy team principal and head of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

His arrival coincided with structural changes at Maranello as the team prepared for the transition from Carlos Sainz to Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season.

Onoro, who manages Sainz’s career and is his cousin, has significant influence over the Williams driver’s commercial and sporting arrangements.

He oversees everything from sponsorship to contract matters and has remained close to Ferrari personnel following Sainz’s departure from the team.

Sainz left Ferrari at the end of last season after Hamilton was signed as his replacement, bringing an end to his four-year spell.

Since moving to Williams, Sainz has enjoyed renewed momentum, securing his first podium of the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix — notably before Hamilton has managed one with Ferrari.

Is a Ferrari Reunion Possible?

The sighting of Onoro with D’Ambrosio immediately triggered speculation among fans questioning whether Sainz could one day return to the Scuderia.

Some interpreted the meeting as a sign that Ferrari might be considering adjustments to its future driver lineup, particularly after Hamilton’s difficult start to his Ferrari tenure.

Ferrari’s performance in Qatar added further fuel to the discussion.

Both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were unable to score points in the sprint race, continuing a streak of disappointing results that has left supporters frustrated.

With the team struggling to fight consistently at the front, debate has grown about whether the current pairing will remain intact over the coming seasons.

However, nothing at this stage suggests Ferrari is considering replacing Hamilton.

The team has publicly maintained its commitment to the seven-time world champion despite his challenging first year with them.

Sainz Maintains His Commitment to Williams

Sainz himself has repeatedly expressed satisfaction with his new environment at Williams.

Since joining the team, he has spoken openly about his pride in helping rebuild the project and has described Williams as his “life project,” indicating he sees long-term potential in staying.

When asked in a recent Motorsport.com interview whether he would consider a return to Ferrari, Sainz answered: “Yes. In the distant future.”

His careful wording suggested that, while he is not ruling out a comeback at some point, he is fully dedicated to Williams at present.

Onoro, as a responsible manager, is expected to stay informed about opportunities across the grid, even if they are not actively pursued.

Staying connected with senior personnel from his former team is part of maintaining productive relationships, especially in a sport as fluid and political as Formula 1.

Why the Meeting Likely Means Little

While fans have drawn dramatic conclusions, there is no evidence the meeting in Qatar was anything more than a friendly conversation.

D’Ambrosio and Onoro worked together at Ferrari during Sainz’s final months at the team, and it is reasonable that they would catch up when paths cross at a Grand Prix venue.

For now, Ferrari appears focused on solving its performance problems while Hamilton works to adapt to the car.

Williams, meanwhile, is building around Sainz, who continues to outperform expectations as the team attempts to climb back into regular podium contention.

Given current circumstances — and Ferrari’s issues — it would make little sense for Sainz to interrupt his upward momentum with Williams to rejoin a team still struggling for competitiveness.

The post Ferrari Boss Spotted Speaking With Carlos Sainz’s Manager Amid Ferrari Speculation appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Oscar Piastri has experienced a difficult run in the second half of the 2025 Formula 1 season, raising questions about his future with McLaren. The young driver, who was once considered a rising star with championship potential, has struggled to match teammate Lando Norris in recent races. A series of disappointing results and strategic missteps have shifted momentum, prompting speculation about whether Piastri could explore opportunities elsewhere.

Piastri, in his third F1 season, initially impressed with his speed, racecraft, and maturity. However, inconsistencies in performance and a perceived dip in confidence have fueled rumours of tension between him and McLaren management. These factors have led some insiders to suggest that the driver may be considering other options in 2026 or beyond.

Oscar Piastri’s Contract and McLaren Exit Rumours

Earlier in 2025, Piastri signed a multi-year contract extension with McLaren, signaling the team’s long-term commitment to his development. The deal was seen as a strong endorsement of his talent and potential to become a future world champion.

Despite this, speculation about his exit has grown, largely driven by the apparent shift in form toward Lando Norris, who has been delivering more consistent results and strong performances. In Formula 1, tension can arise when expectations and results diverge, and while McLaren has publicly expressed support for Piastri, the combination of recent struggles and external interest from other teams has created a narrative of uncertainty around his future.

Factors Behind Exit Speculation

Several factors contribute to the rumoured possibility of Piastri leaving McLaren:

• Performance Decline: After a promising start, Piastri’s pace has dipped, and he has struggled in qualifying and race situations compared to his teammate.
• Team Support: Questions have emerged over whether Piastri feels fully backed by McLaren, with some suggesting that strategic decisions may have favoured Norris.
• Market Value: At just 22 years old, Piastri remains a highly sought-after talent, and other teams may see him as a driver capable of becoming their number-one contender.
• External Interest: Several teams reportedly have their eyes on Piastri, making the prospect of a move more plausible if conditions at McLaren do not improve.

Why a Move Might Not Happen

Despite the speculation, there are strong reasons why Piastri may remain with McLaren:

• Competitive Package: McLaren continues to provide a car capable of challenging at the front, offering Piastri a strong platform for victories.
• Contractual Security: His multi-year deal makes an immediate exit complex, requiring negotiations or potential buyouts.
• Focus on Racing: Piastri has emphasized that his priority is to regain form and compete for strong results rather than pursuing a transfer.
• Team Confidence: McLaren leadership has repeatedly expressed faith in his long-term potential, suggesting they remain committed to his development.

Possible Outcomes

Several scenarios could play out in the coming months:

1. Status Quo: Piastri remains with McLaren, focusing on finishing the season strongly and preparing for a more consistent campaign next year.
2. Negotiation for a Move: If performance issues and team dynamics continue, discussions with other teams could emerge, potentially paving the way for a 2026 move.
3. Off-Season Decision: Even if he stays for the immediate future, plans for a switch could develop for 2027, with other teams keen to secure a talented young driver.

Implications for McLaren and the Grid

A potential exit would present a significant challenge for McLaren, who would need to consider whether to promote a junior driver or recruit an experienced replacement. Such a move could also trigger a domino effect across the F1 driver market, reshaping team strategies and affecting the competitive balance on the grid.

Looking Ahead

The combination of Piastri’s talent, recent struggles, and external interest ensures that his future remains a topic of discussion. Whether he stays at McLaren or explores new opportunities, his presence in Formula 1 will continue to be influential, and the decisions made in the coming months could have lasting implications for both him and the teams involved.

The post Oscar Piastri Sparks McLaren Exit Rumours as Lando Norris Dominates appeared first on Formula1News.co.uk.

Free Practice 3 in Monaco saw another argument break out, this time during an on-air discussion with Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft and pundit Jenson Button.

The unusual element of their debate was that it had nothing to do with Formula 1 – Instead the argument was about buttering bread.

After commentator Anthony Davidson likened driving around Monaco to spreading butter, referring to how the track gains grip as more rubber is put down, Croft and Button launched into a debate about how to store butter.

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“You obviously don’t put your butter in the fridge?” Button said.

“Well, who puts butter in the fridge?” Croft replied.

“Well it makes it difficult to spread, it’s like a fun game,” Button explained.

“I’d hate to be your wife. Imagine the rows over breakfast,” Croft responded.

The moment between the two Sky Sports presenters saw a whole discussion break out on social media, as fans weighed in on the situation, offering their takes.

READ: Formula 1 fired American warning

Unfortunately for Croft, the majority of responses sided with Button, with people questioning who would keep butter anywhere other than the fridge. 

While Free Practice might have provided an opportunity for debates about non-F1 topics, Sunday’s race is unlikely to do so, with the Grand Prix set to be an action-packed fight for victory.

Fernando Alonso has a chance to secure his illusive 33^rd Grand Prix victory if he can pass Max Verstappen early on, while Esteban Ocon, who was promoted to 3^rd following a post-qualifying penalty, will be keen to give Alpine a podium finish.

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TD39/22 was introduced ahead of the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix in a bid to alleviate porpoising, amid Mercedes in particular lobbying the FIA to take action, as their W13 was plagued by the phenomenon.

This technical directive saw the FIA formulate an aerodynamic oscillation metric (AOM) which is used to measure how much each car is porpoising/bouncing.

In the event of the FIA deeming a car to be “excessively oscillating”, they had the authority to prevent it from taking part in a grand prix weekend until set-up changes – such as raising the ride height – were made to alleviate the porpoising.

READ: Angela Cullen quickly puts Lewis Hamilton breakup behind her

Following the FIA raising the minimum ride height by 15mm ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season, TD39/22 was reappealed.

In a statement, the FIA has emphasised to Formula1News.co.uk that they communicated their decision to scrap the technical directive with the teams, Formula 1 and Pirelli in a “timely manner.”

They also stressed that the AOM remains in place, “and we are still gathering data from this metric –but as the matter seems under control, it was stated that we will not be applying a limit in the forthcoming period.”

Continuing, the FIA revealed that the Formula 1 grid has been warned that “if the parameter worsened again, we would reintroduce it at very short notice.

“Since everything is already in place, we could restart implementation relatively quickly,” the FIA’s statement continued.

Furthermore, the FIA revealed to Formula1News.co.uk that it plans to make all technical directives – past and present – public “very soon.”

READ: Max Verstappen accused of lying about excuse to avoid Sergio Perez battle

Continuing in this vein, they explained: “To do so we need to eliminate any confidential info and private info.

“This is currently under development so you can expect something in the next few months.

“This will improve the level of access and understanding of technical rules for media and fans in the future.”

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The 38-year-old joined Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League from Manchester United during the winter transfer window, and it had been reported that he would be attending round two of the 2023 F1 season in Saudi Arabia as part of his lucrative mega-deal with the club.

However, The Sports PR Company – a public relations agency which represents Ronaldo – has told Formula1News.co.uk that he will not attend the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, nor does he have any contractual obligation to do so.

In a statement, Ronaldo’s representatives described the reports of him being forced to attend the grand prix as “entirely false.”

READ: Ferrari boss addresses Charles Leclerc crisis meeting

Earlier on Wednesday, London Insider cited unnamed sources as describing the aforementioned reports as “fake news” and “patently false.”

“It’s fake news. Any notion that Cristiano will be attending the race in Saudi Arabia as part of his deal with Al-Nassr FC is baseless and patently false,” the source insisted.

“He will not be at the grand prix or any related events over the course of the weekend,” they added.

This weekend’s race at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit will be Saudi Arabia’s third Formula 1 grand prix in as many years.

The track has attracted criticism in previous years due to the blind nature of some of the high-speed corners and the lack of run-off areas.

The FIA, in coordination with the organisers of the grand prix, have made several changes to the circuit ahead of this year’s race in a bid to improve driver safety.

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast this week, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix CEO Martin Whitaker outlined some of these changes.

“The drivers are going to be I think, really quite pleased because obviously the first time they get a chance to have a look will be when they walk around on Thursday,” he said.

“But during the winter months, we’ve again made some quite interesting changes to improve the sight lines.

“So, on five of the corners, we’ve moved the fences back by anything between two and seven metres. So in some places, it’s quite a marked change to the overall look and feel of the circuit.

“Then we’ve also removed the steel plates that we’d put in on the inside of a number of the corners. The concrete barriers are effectively edged to go around a corner, so they have shoulders.

READ: Helmut Marko sends Max Verstappen FIA penalty warning

“So actually the FIA said ‘no, we’re quite happy with those, let’s remove the steel plates’. We’ve removed those from six corners.

“There is a change to one of the corners. The perimeter of the track has not changed apart from in one place, and that is [Turn] 22, 23. That corner has been tightened, so that will make that corner probably 30 kilometres slower.

“So therefore, they will be going on to effectively the back straight or that long curve between 23 and 27, they will be entering that at a slower pace. So it’ll be interesting to see how that works out.”

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Former Williams driver Nicholas Latifi brought significant cash into the team, through Sofina Foods, a company which his father is the CEO of.

Latifi was also backed by other Canadian sponsors, with Williams having lost them all as a result of the Canadian’s contract not being extended for 2023.

Instead, they’ve opted to promote talented American Sargeant, who is the first member of the Grove-based team’s Driver Academy to make his way into the pinnacle of motorsport.

READ: McLaren respond to rumoured Audi takeover

As well as being the first Williams Driver Academy member to be promoted to F1, he’s the first American to race in the sport since Alexander Rossi in 2015.

Sargeant is certainly a talented driver, with the 22-year-old having spent just the one season in Formula 2, with him having done a stellar job last season to acquire the necessary amount of Super Licence points to be eligible for a move to F1.

He claimed two victories and a further two podiums during his maiden F2 campaign last season, with his overall performance resulting in him finishing fourth in the Drivers’ Championship.

Sargeant has also proven that he can handle pressure excellently, with him having been announced as Williams’ driver for 2023 before the F2 season finale.

He drove very smartly in Abu Dhabi to claim the results which he needed for the necessary Super Licence points, despite having been under the pressure of knowing that a single mistake could end his 2023 F1 dream.

Williams did give the American a hand by using him in FP1 at the final four races of last season, to reduce the number of Super Licence points he needed to partner up with Alex Albon this year.

The British side certainly have a lot of belief in the rookie, given that they’re taking a huge gamble by promoting him after just one season in F2.

Williams are “looking forward” to seeing him further develop this season, having “invested” heavily into his career since signing him in 2021.

READ: Ex-F1 driver denies Masi tried to sabotage Hamilton but criticises ‘rushed’ decision

Williams’ exclusive statement to Formula1News.co.uk read: “Williams Racing has invested into Logan’s career and development since signing him to the Driver Academy in October 2021.

“The Williams Racing Driver Academy has been overhauled in recent years into an entity in which we recruit, invest in and nurture talent.

“Logan has shown his talent over his years in single-seaters and we can confirm he is not bringing funding from either family or sponsors to Williams Racing.

“We look forward to continuing to work with him as he begins his first season with us,” the statement concluded.

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The governing body also confirmed that this weekend’s race won’t be the only grand prix weekend that the FIA president attends.

However, in a statement sent to this publication, the FIA noted he will be at a “lot less compared to last year”.

Tensions between the FIA and Formula 1 are at an all-time high, largely due to comments made by the president himself.

READ: Charles Leclerc warns Ferrari not confident heading into 2023 Bahrain GP

During the winter break alone, the 61-year-old labelled a rejected $20 billion offer to buy the sport from current owners Liberty Media as “inflated”, publicly supported Andretti-Cadillac’s bid to enter a team into Formula 1, to the fury of the current teams, and had sexist comments from over 20 years ago resurface.

It certainly hasn’t been a smooth off-season for the FIA president, who actually handed over the day-to-day running of the pinnacle of motorsport to FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis, in a move judged by many as a response to the turbulent winter.

Ben Sulayem revealed, as per Sky Sports News, that the reasoning for him handing the responsibility to Tombazis was so that he could “focus on strategic matters with my leadership team”.

With the president set to be at the Bahrain International Circuit, his response to any ‘political statements’ will be watched intently, following the FIA’s controversial update to the International Sporting Code (ISC).

It was announced in December that drivers would be in breach of the ISC if they show “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 under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.”

Interestingly, the new Article (12.2.1.n), states that “anything critical of or hostile to others’ religious or spiritual beliefs” would also be banned, with that believed to refer to specially designed t-shirts or helmets in support of a campaign or a community.

Sky Sports News understands that the only way a driver could wear a helmet or t-shirt in support of the likes of human rights, or the LGBTQ+ community, is by asking the FIA for permission first.

With Lewis Hamilton having already revealed his helmet for 2023, which includes streaks of the LGBTQ+ flag, it remains to be seen whether he was granted permission by the FIA, or if he’ll face punishment as a result.

READ: ‘I have no problem with doing that’: Guenther Steiner reveals story of $250k savings idea

The vast majority of the drivers have spoken out against the FIA, with many of the drivers who prefer not to discuss politics even recognising it as an attempt to eliminate their freedom of speech.

With this in mind, it’ll be interesting to see how the dynamic is between Ben Sulayem and the drivers this weekend, should he interact with any of them.

Confirming his appearance at this weekend’s Bahrain GP, the FIA told Formula1News.co.uk: “The President will be attending the Bahrain GP because the World Motorsport Council is happening here on Friday and he is still involved in those strategic discussions. He will still attend some races but a lot less compared to last year.”

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