The FIA’s war on explicit language in Formula 1 is heating up, and President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is now considering drastic measures—including shutting down live team radio broadcasts.
With drivers already penalized for swearing in official press conferences, the governing body may take censorship to new extremes, potentially delaying radio transmissions or cutting them off entirely.
Ben Sulayem’s Hardline Stance on Language in F1
F1 drivers are no strangers to heated radio exchanges, often laced with raw, unfiltered emotion—especially in the heat of battle. But Ben Sulayem isn’t impressed.
At the FIA officials summit in Spain, he made it clear that further restrictions could be introduced:
“Do we go on and then shut down the radios of live communication? Maybe.
Do we delay it? Maybe. There are a lot of things that would work now with our promoter.”
This follows the FIA’s penalties on drivers for swearing last season, with Charles Leclerc fined and Max Verstappen sent to Rwanda for a public engagement event.
The Verstappen Punishment: A Power Move or a PR Play?
Verstappen’s penalty for swearing in an FIA press conference became one of the most talked-about disciplinary actions of the season. Instead of a fine, he was sent to Rwanda to participate in an FIA-backed community event, a move that initially sparked backlash.
Ben Sulayem, however, insists that the punishment wasn’t excessive:
“When he sat down—and he was nervous—I said, how about injecting back in the society, going and inspiring young girls and boys in Rwanda? Oh please, I will do that [said Verstappen].”
According to the FIA President, Verstappen embraced the experience, engaging with the young fans and turning the moment into a positive PR story.
Censoring Team Radios: Will Fans Stand for It?
The biggest potential change on the horizon, however, is team radio censorship. Formula 1’s live radio broadcasts have delivered some of the sport’s most iconic moments, from Fernando Alonso’s infamous “GP2 engine” rant to Kimi Räikkönen’s “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing.”
Would delaying or muting these moments ruin the fan experience?
While Ben Sulayem argues that maintaining professionalism is key, many believe that raw, emotional radio chatter is part of what makes F1 so captivating.
Final Verdict: FIA’s Censorship Risks Alienating Fans
F1 is an intensely emotional and high-pressure sport. The idea of penalizing swearing in post-race press conferences is one thing—but policing live team radios? That’s another story.
While Ben Sulayem insists on treating drivers like his “sons and daughters”, some fans see this crackdown as excessive and borderline overreach.
The FIA has yet to confirm whether it will push ahead with radio censorship in 2025, but if it does, expect serious backlash from fans who love F1’s raw, unfiltered drama.
