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F1’s Verbal Warfare: Ecclestone Critiques Ben Sulayem’s ‘No-Swearing’ Clampdown

David Castro by David Castro
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
F1’s Civil War: Johnny Herbert Exposes Unprecedented Driver Unity and Rising Tensions with FIA Under Ben Sulayem

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is seen before the race REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

The tension in Formula 1 is no longer confined to the racetrack. Legendary F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has weighed in on the growing rift between drivers and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, highlighting the increasingly contentious governance of the sport. From clamping down on jewelry to banning expletives, Ben Sulayem’s leadership has stirred controversy—and Verstappen’s outbursts have been the lightning rod.

Swearing Showdown: Verstappen vs. Ben Sulayem

The latest clash erupted over Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on swearing, a move seen as a direct swipe at Max Verstappen. The Dutchman didn’t hold back when describing the struggles with his RB20, but the FIA president wasn’t amused, comparing motorsport to rap music:
“We have to differentiate between our sport—motorsport—and rap music. We’re not rappers, you know.”

Verstappen, supported unanimously by his fellow drivers, shot back, arguing that F1 was losing its human touch under such rigid governance. “We are becoming too precise in everything, from the rules to the way they’re applied. Sometimes, people need to express themselves without worrying about every word,” Verstappen said.

Ecclestone: F1 Needs Its Human Side Back

Weighing in on the issue, Bernie Ecclestone, the man who built F1 into a global juggernaut, echoed Verstappen’s sentiment. Known for his unfiltered approach during his reign, Ecclestone reflected on a time when the sport embraced its raw, unpolished edge.
“In my day, no one had a problem with it, and I doubt anyone is truly offended now. We must not forget the human side of this sport,” Ecclestone remarked.

Ecclestone also acknowledged the difficulty of Ben Sulayem’s position: “He’s doing what he thinks is best, but he’s in a tough spot because the drivers perceive him differently. F1 is at its best when passion and authenticity are allowed to shine through.”

Ben Sulayem’s Polarizing Leadership

Since taking office in 2021, Ben Sulayem has carved a divisive path. As the first non-European president of the FIA, his leadership has been marked by a confrontational, high-profile style, reversing the quiet diplomacy of his predecessor, Jean Todt. From disputes with Liberty Media to feuds with Toto Wolff and now the drivers, Ben Sulayem’s approach has rattled cages across the paddock.

While Ecclestone acknowledges the president’s bold vision, he warns against losing sight of the drivers’ role as the heart and soul of F1. Verstappen, for instance, has hinted at walking away from the sport—a sentiment that should alarm the governing body. “Max doesn’t need to go that far, but his frustration is telling,” Ecclestone noted.

Liberty Media’s Era vs. Ecclestone’s Legacy

The current turbulence highlights the stark contrast between F1’s past and present. Under Ecclestone’s reign, the FIA largely stayed out of the limelight, leaving him to run the sport as he saw fit. But since Liberty Media’s acquisition in 2016 and Ben Sulayem’s presidency, F1’s power dynamics have shifted, with the FIA taking a more hands-on, sometimes intrusive role.

“Ben Sulayem wants to make the FIA great again,” Ecclestone quipped, referencing the president’s ambition. However, with drivers threatening to quit and relationships fraying, the question looms: is F1 losing its human edge in pursuit of polished perfection?

What’s Next for F1?

As F1 gears up for another season, the stakes have never been higher. The spat between Verstappen and Ben Sulayem is just the latest chapter in a broader power struggle defining the sport’s modern era. Will the FIA find a balance between enforcing standards and preserving the fiery personalities that make F1 a global spectacle?

One thing is certain: as long as figures like Verstappen, Ecclestone, and Ben Sulayem dominate the narrative, the drama of Formula 1 will extend far beyond the track.

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