FIA President Accused of Hypocrisy Over Driver Language Restrictions
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem faces a storm of criticism after announcing stringent language restrictions for Formula 1 drivers during broadcasts, following a penalty imposed on Max Verstappen for swearing at a press conference during the Singapore Grand Prix. Sulayem defended the policy, aiming to differentiate motorsport from other contexts where offensive language is prevalent.
Announcing the crackdown against driver swearing, Sulayem said, “We have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music. We’re not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That’s them and we are [us].” This new policy comes amid increasing scrutiny on driver behavior, with Sulayem citing the need to ensure that Formula 1 maintains its decorum, especially in an era where live broadcasts and technology amplify every word spoken.
However, this move has not been without controversy. Prominent Formula 1 journalist Joe Saward has lambasted Sulayem’s decision as a mere publicity stunt. Writing in his Green Notebook segment, Saward criticized the crackdown, suggesting it seeks more attention for Sulayem than for the sport’s integrity. “I guess it achieved the goal of getting some publicity for someone who is hooked on being in the spotlight and keen to jump in front of the cameras at every opportunity. It is all harmless, but it does seem rather silly, particularly as one could hardly describe the federation as a missionary organisation,” he wrote.
Saward further questioned Sulayem’s past actions, recalling the FIA President’s support for former President Max Mosley amid scandal and implying hypocrisy in his current stance. “Has the current FIA President forgotten that he led a campaign to keep former President Max Mosley in office after the latter got caught with his trousers around his ankles? How is it that an extra-marital adventure is more acceptable than swearing? Oh, never mind. One might call it hypocrisy but the truth is that Ben Sulayem needs to spotlight like an Italian needs coffee. Let’s leave it at that. Silly, childish, attention-seeking and not good for the federation,” Saward contended.
Sulayem, a former driver himself, acknowledges the intensity of emotions in the heat of competition but stresses the importance of self-control. “I know, I was a driver. In the heat of the moment, when you think you are upset because another driver came to you and pushed you… When I used to drive in the dust [and something like that happened], I would get upset. But also, we have to be careful with our conduct. We need to be responsible people,” Sulayem remarked.
The pushback from fans and drivers has been significant, viewing Verstappen’s penalty as an overreach. Despite the backlash, Saward predicts that Sulayem, who seeks re-election in December 2025, will likely secure another term unless he makes a significant misstep. “One would think that the President would have some advisors who might tell him not to get into these messes, but either they don’t understand, or they dare not speak… When all is said and done, people respect the FIA less as a result of all this. Not more. We all know that the current incumbent will be re-elected in December 2025 if he does not screw up massively,” Saward wrote.
