Mohammed Ben Sulayem Responds to Verstappen and Hamilton’s Criticism Over FIA’s New Language Regulations

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has addressed the reactions of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton following their public opposition to the FIA’s new guidelines aimed at reducing swearing in Formula 1. Both drivers voiced their concerns after the FIA introduced stricter regulations on language, with Ben Sulayem comparing drivers’ frequent use of expletives to “foul-mouthed rappers.”

In an interview with motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem defended the FIA’s stance on keeping the sport family-friendly, stating, “We are not rappers. Imagine watching a race with your 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, and you hear all this dirty language. What example does that set for the next generation? It’s not what we want for the image of our sport.”

Max Verstappen, who has been known for his fiery team radio outbursts, pushed back on the idea, suggesting the real issue was the broadcasting of these moments. “Everyone swears, some more than others,” said the Red Bull champion. “If you don’t want to hear it, just don’t broadcast it. This is just how things are in sports where emotions run high.”

Lewis Hamilton, who agreed that there’s excessive swearing in sports, took issue with Ben Sulayem’s comparison to rappers. “I don’t like how he’s expressed it,” Hamilton said. “Most rappers are black… so there’s a racial element in his words that’s concerning. Plus, we’re emotional on track, we’re not robots.”

In response to these criticisms, Ben Sulayem remained firm in his position. “The drivers have a responsibility,” he emphasized. “The sport reaches millions of homes, and we have to consider the language that gets transmitted. It’s not about restricting emotion, but about ensuring respect and setting the right example.”

The debate has further highlighted the ongoing tension between the FIA and some of Formula 1’s top drivers, with the matter now becoming a talking point both within the sport and among its fans.