“We’re not rappers,’ FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem SLAMS drivers for swearing on team radio
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed dissatisfaction with increasing swearing on team radios, saying drivers aren’t rappers.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)
Formula 1 is a thrilling sport where drivers push the limits on tough tracks, facing extreme conditions and intense competition. The intensity of races often creates high-pressure moments where things don’t go as planned. These situations can frustrate even the most experienced drivers, sometimes leading them to vent their emotions with swear words over the radio. Recently, the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed concern about the increasing of such instances, highlighting the need for more restraint.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his frustration with the increasing number of swear words being used by drivers over the radio. He believed that such language didn’t belong in Formula 1. He pointed out that motorsport is different from rap music, where swearing is more common.
Sulayem wanted drivers to be more professional in how they express their emotions, even in high-pressure situations. He believed excessive swearing could harm the sport’s image and negatively influence people.
We're not rappers. There is a difference between our sport, motorsport, and rap music.Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, as reported by Motorsport
Sulayem noted that drivers frequently use the F-word during races, which doesn’t reflect well on the sport for viewers. Formula 1 uniquely lets fans hear live conversations between drivers and engineers, where frustration usually results in swearing. Sulayem stressed that while swearing is common elsewhere, F1 should maintain higher professionalism and set a better example.
How many times a minute do they use the F-word? It doesn't happen that often with us. But that's them and we are us.Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated
President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants drivers to behave responsibly
Sulayem acknowledged that during intense moments in a race, like when a driver gets bumped by another, tempers flare. However, he emphasized that this doesn’t excuse inappropriate behavior. Drivers should remember to control their reactions and behave responsibly, as their conduct reflects on the sport as a whole.
In the heat of the battle, tempers can flare, for example if you get a push from another driver. But that doesn't mean we don't have to keep an eye on our behavior. We have to keep behaving as responsible people.Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained.
Certainly, handling frustration and stress in a manner that upholds Formula 1’s standards and sets a positive example for viewers is crucial. Sulayem being a former driver, gave this advice to help keep the sport professional and respectful.
Gaurang Kadam
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