UNDER-FIRE FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on Twitter – just days after hitting out at drivers for speaking about human rights and mental health.
Former rally driver Ben Sulayem was only appointed in December, and is overseeing his first Formula One season.
But he has already driven a wedge between the sport’s governing body and F1’s owner’s, Liberty Media.
And his comments will also alarm drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.
The pair have spoken about social issues, such as human and LGBTQ+ rights.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris, has addressed mental health issues and raised awareness.
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Ben Sulayem was quoted as saying: “Niki Lauda and Alain Prost only cared about driving.
“Now, Vettel drives a rainbow bicycle, Lewis is passionate about human rights and Norris addresses mental health.
“Everybody has the right to think.
“To me, it is about deciding whether we should impose our beliefs in [sic] something over the sport all the time.”
The interview had sparked much anger across social media but he has now tried to clarify his comments.
And he insisted he DOES support drivers trying to help “progress in society”.
He wrote on Twitter: “As a driver, I have always believed in sport as a catalyst of progress in society.
“That is why promoting sustainability, diversity and inclusion is a key priority of my mandate.
“In the same way, I value the commitment of all drivers and champions for a better future.”
Hamilton and Ben Sulayem already have a shaky relationship over an on-going jewellery ban.
The Brit even threatened to PULL OUT of the Miami Grand Prix after claiming he had a secret piercing he couldn’t remove.
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Ben Sulayem has had a hardline stance this season following the sacking of Michael Masi last year.
The former race director was axed following Hamilton’s controversial world title loss to Max Verstappen.
He bypassd the rulebook to allow the Red Bull driver to overtake his Mercedes rival on the final lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
There was an investigation in February around the controversy, and the Australian was given the boot.
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