Looking at the bbc , I doubt they have a leg to stand on this isn’t political . Someone tweeted in about the political statement and MB themselves said it isn’t political its racial , and I agree . I just don’t think he should have been allowed to wear that shirt on the podium .
Really ? They held an end racism t shirt between all 3 drivers . Lewis put a shirt on about 1 tragic occurrence , I don’t mind betting the former was approved following consultation . The latter is Lewis being Lewis . As I have said , I got the feeling it was planned but not approved , and I don’t like that . Ched is correct , this could lead to all sorts in the future . Words will be spoken , clarification will be sent out . For Lewis to act on his own in this matter ( if he has ) is not right IMHO .
Sounds like they've realised there's a gap in the regulations, where cars can't carry political messaging, but there's no regulation of the driver's attire. That said, the FIA will look incredibly weak if they introduce new rules on the back of this, and even if it doesn't directly undermine their "End Racism" and "We Race As One" initiatives, it clearly makes them seem hollow if F1 drivers are only allowed to wear messages in the FIA-approved time slot. They'll also no doubt shoot themselves in the foot, as I've no doubt Hamilton will continue to wear the shirt and take a fine if necessary. There's not exactly another penalty they can give him. They can't argue for "keeping politics out of sport" then issue a sporting penalty for political messaging. It's been great to see clear, unambiguous support for Hamilton from Toto and Mercedes. If Mercedes are on board with it, their sponsors must be on board with it, so what's the problem with a few logos being covered? And as all three parties will no doubt continue to argue "this is a human rights issue, not a political one". It'll be a spectacular own-goal for the FIA if they ban individuals from showing support for human rights...
I agree , but it does need clarification . As Ched said , where does it end ? If Hamilton had seeked approval from the FIA to wear that shirt on the podium , fine , but that for me is where the problem lies . You cannot be a law unto yourself in situations like that IMHO .
Fans complain that drivers are boring corporate robots, but then also expect that drivers tow the line and do as they're told to not upset our corporate overlords. It's amazing how uncomfortable that t-shirt has made people feel. Because, really, we should maybe be thinking "Yeah, arrest the bastards!" rather than being upset at the message or the act of wearing it.
I agree, but those thoughts aren't mutually exclusive. A person can think "Yeah, arrest the bastards!" and question whether Lewis was right to wear that t-shirt on the podium. One sentiment is about bringing those officers before the courts. The other is about how Lewis used his platform on that specific occasion. And if somebody questions how Lewis used his platform on a specific occasion, it doesn't necessarily mean that they disagree with him using his platform at all. They might fully support his right to express his feelings and to use his enormous global reach to send his message. They might fully agree with everything else he's done so far, but wonder whether he got it right on this particular occasion. I apologise Bhaji, I know I've taken my reply a couple of steps beyond what you were saying, and I'm definitely not trying to put words in your mouth. It's more about my general reflection on the state of the world. I can watch these things from NZ, where thankfully we don't have such incendiary political leaders seek to polarise every debate. It's disheartening looking back at my beloved UK, or across at the US, and seeing how cynical 'lawmakers' keep twisting everything into wars of good vs evil, where the moderate voices get drowned out.
No need to apologise. It's okay to debate. I'd just like to know why people are made uncomfortable by this... I really need an honest answer to this. The message really isn't controversial. Why is using his platform unacceptable? Why is using his profile unacceptable?
SGT . my issues is that he did it on the podium . If he asked for and got permission , fine . I suspect however he did not , and that could lead to all sorts . Unless as I am sure they will , the FIA clarify the situation . That is my only issue .
Why does the podium matter? I'm not sure what the difference is between that and the start of the race. What "all sorts" are you worried about?
The podium matters to me as it is the pinnacle , all sorts is what people could put on their shirts . As I have said repeatedly . IF Lewis got permission , ok .
You're being ambiguous. I don't understand your concern of what "all sorts" is. I don't think we'll get to a point where a driver rocks up with a KinkyLatexDonkeyBuggery.com t-shirt. I wonder if people would be bent out of shape if he wore a poppy, or a t-shirt promoting and supporting the NHS. So many sports use their platform to promote those with no backlash.