Lewis Hamilton says 'nothing will stop him' speaking out after new rules clamping down on political statements

    Hamilton is looking to bounce back after a poor 2022 in which he failed to win a single race.

    (CNN)Lewis Hamilton says "nothing will stop him" from speaking out after new rules were introduced by the FIA restricting drivers from making "political, religious and personal statements."

    The seven-time world champion was speaking at the launch of the Mercedes' 2023 car for the upcoming season at Silverstone and was not impressed with the new regulations introduced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in December.
    "Nothing will stop me from speaking on the things I am passionate about," Hamilton said. "The sport has a responsibility to speak out and create awareness on important topics, particularly as we are traveling to different places. So nothing changes."
      The FIA updated its International Sporting Code banning the display of political, religious and personal statements unless previously approved in writing. Drivers who do not comply by the rules risk both financial and sporting penalties.
        Hamilton has regularly used his platform to raise awareness of human rights issues around the world. At the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix, he wore a black T-shirt with the words "Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor" on the front.
        He has previously raced in the Middle East with a rainbow helmet to promote LGBTQI+ rights in Qatar, and spoken about how the sport needs to do more to raise awareness about human rights abuses.