#WeRaceAsOne || ACC Custom Livery

On the 19th of December, 2022, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (or, more commonly known, the FIA) published it’s sporting code for 2023. All teams, drivers, etc. in racing categories governed by the FIA (which is nearly all) must abide by this code of conduct.

They update and publish a new code every year. Most often, they just add nuances to existing rules to make it more clear what is and what isn’t allowed during race weekends. Because there are many cases each year in which discussion arises whether something is or isn’t within the rules.

Except this year, they added something new entirely. Rule 12.2.1.n;

ARTICLE 12.2 BREACH OF RULES
12.2.1 Any of the following offences, in addition to any offences specifically referred to previously or subsequently, shall be deemed to be a breach of these rules: […]
12.2.1.n The general making and display of political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for International Competitions, or by the relevant ASN for National Competitions within their jurisdiction.

Page 54-55 of the FIA International Sporting Code, 2022

This rule bans any form of controversial statement, whether it is political, religious or personal. Anyone wishing to make such a statement, needs to have explicit approval from the FIA beforehand or they would be at risk of a penalty.

Want to wear a cross? Penalty. Want to show solidarity with the protests in Iran? Penalty. Do you want to say that perhaps, maybe, treating women or LGBTQ+ persons better in Arab countries should be something that is encouraged? Oh boy, that’s a penalty.

Unless of course, you have your message pre-approved.

Why is this an issue?

For many big-time F1 racers, getting pre-approval would not be an issue. But for many, racing in lesser known series in less ‘politically modern’ countries (such as the middle east, Russia or China) this effectively means the FIA is helping these countries to censor dissent. Because it gives more power to national federations to penalize dissenting opinions. Effectively making it possible to ban drivers for speaking up about issues they care about.

And in the regions and countries I mentioned before, there is a big overlap between national autosport federations and local politics. If a Mr. Putin leans on the Russian autosport federation to ban a driver in the Lada Racing Series (or something) for showing suppor to Ukraine, not only will they do it – they will be supported by the FIA in doing so.

But Felix, what does this rant have to do with a throwaway custom livery you made for a racing game?

Well, not much – at face value. But I was thinking about all of this when I started making this livery. The #WeRaceAsOne hashtag was used by Formula 1 to promote diversity and inclusion in the sport, and this new rule seems to greatly undermine anything the hashtag aimed to accomplish. I felt the need to point out the hypocrisy from the FIA.

And this is just one of the ways I know to do how;

I made this livery when I was working on a Porsche livery which I am yet to post. This livery had 6 bands running across, which immediately made me think of the LGBT flag when news of this new rule came out on December 20th. So I just knew I had to do this. But, due to some commissions coming inbetween my workflow, I had to postpone finishing it up until now.

Want to get the livery? Click that big red bar below which will bring you to my Google Drive folder. Free of charge!

Download the WeRaceAsOne livery

If you want to know how to install this livery, I explain it in this post. If you want to start making your own, click here for my tutorial to get started. And, if you want to see my custom ACC liveries, feel free to check them out here.

#WeRaceAsOne shots from the studio

#WeRaceAsOne Porsche shots from the track

If you want to see the livery in action (sort of, since it is a stationary screenshot) or just want a nice new wallpaper, I’ve got you covered too! Here are some shots I took driving it around Spa-Franchorchamps in the afternoon.

THANKS FOR READING!

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Do you want to make your own custom liveries? You can! I explain how to do it in this post. Or request a commission. You can also view all my other liveries on this page.

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1 Response

  1. Anonymous says:

    make that a M4 livery and I’ll gladly use it on LFM (if they approve it!) great livery!

Please, let me know what you think!