FORMULA One bosses have been accused of trying to gag drivers with a rule to stop them from airing political or personal views.

World champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are among competitors who have used their platforms at races to highlight issues.

But the governing body the FIA amended its rules this season to forbid any display of “political, religious, and personal statements” that are made “without prior approval”.

Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas says the crackdown is wrong.

He said: "Personally, I don't like politics. I like to do what I love, which is racing, but politics is at the same time part of today's society.

"I think Formula 1 has done a good job of paying attention to some of these kinds of issues and many drivers have raised their voices, including Sebastian."

"I do not understand why they want to control us. I think we should have the right to talk about what we want. That is how I see it, but we will see what happens."

A human rights group has called the new rule “seriously disturbing”.

The FIA says the move is in line with the International Olympic Committee’s Code of Ethics.