Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed on Wednesday to continue speaking out despite Formula One’s governing body clamping down on drivers making ‘political’ statements.

The most successful driver in the sport’s history has used his platform to highlight racial injustice, promote diversity and address a range of issues from the environment to human rights.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem , an Emirati who has since said he will stand back from day-to-day affairs in Formula One, said also he did not want to provide “a platform for private personal agenda”.

“I wasn’t really watching the news over the winter but I heard it,” Hamilton, 38, told reporters in a video call after the launch of his Mercedes team’s new W14 racecar at Silverstone.

“It doesn’t surprise me, but nothing will stop me from speaking on the things that I’m passionate about and issues that there are.

“I feel the sport does have a responsibility still always to speak out on things, to create awareness on important topics, particularly as we’re travelling to all these different places,” added the Briton. “So nothing changes really.”