In a groundbreaking move, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem shocks the motorsport world with a potential shake-up in the controversial swearing rules that have plagued the industry. The FIA’s rigid control over drivers’ language has sparked outrage among competitors, particularly in Formula 1, leading to bold protests and defiance.
The discontent reached its peak when Red Bull’s Max Verstappen rebelled against the regulations during the Singapore Grand Prix last year, opting to snub the official press conference and address journalists separately. This act of rebellion was mirrored by participants in the World Rally Championship’s Safari Rally, who either refused to engage in post-stage interviews or communicated solely in their native languages.
However, Ben Sulayem, known for his unwavering enforcement of the zero-tolerance policy, appears to be softening his stance. In a surprising Instagram post, he hinted at a potential shift in the strict rules, emphasizing collaboration and unity within the sport. The possibility of banning driver team radios from broadcasts as a response to continued profanity was even raised.
Acknowledging the feedback from drivers across the FIA’s various championships, Ben Sulayem expressed a willingness to enhance “appendix B,” a crucial component of the international sporting code. With a background in rally driving, he empathizes with the challenges faced by competitors and advocates for continuous improvement in the regulations governing the sport.
As the motorsport community awaits further developments, the proposed changes could mark a significant turning point in the ongoing battle between regulatory control and individual expression on the track. Stay tuned as the FIA prepares to navigate this delicate balancing act in the world of high-speed competition.