Max Verstappen Hits Back at FIA’s Mohammed Ben Sulayem Over ‘Rappers’ Remark
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has called on Formula 1 drivers to watch their language on team radios, controversially comparing their conduct to that of rap artists. The 62-year-old’s comments, centered on the impact of expletives broadcasted during races, sparked backlash from reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who dismissed the FIA chief’s argument as childish.
Ben Sulayem’s Controversial Comments: ‘We’re Not Rappers’
Amid growing concerns over the colorful language used by F1 drivers during broadcasts, Ben Sulayem drew a bizarre comparison between F1 racers and rap artists, arguing that the sport should hold itself to a higher standard. “We have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music,” Ben Sulayem told Motorsport.com. “We’re not rappers. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that.”
The FIA president emphasized the need for responsible conduct, particularly given the live and recorded nature of F1 broadcasts. He questioned how families watching the races with children might react to drivers’ expletives, stressing the need for careful regulation of what is publicly aired.
Verstappen Fires Back: ‘What Are We, Five-Year-Olds?’
Verstappen, who has been at the center of this debate recently, wasn’t shy about expressing his frustration with Ben Sulayem’s comments ahead of the Singapore GP. “I guess the world is changing a bit, but I think it already just starts with not broadcasting it,” Verstappen told reporters. He argued that censoring or delaying broadcasts would be more effective than placing bans on drivers. “There’s a lot of apps where people can listen to the radios and stuff. You have to probably limit this or have a bit of a delay that you can censor out a few things.”
The Dutchman dismissed the idea that drivers should curb their language, pointing out that swearing is often a natural reaction under pressure. “Because, for example, I couldn’t even say the F-word. I mean, it’s not even that bad, right? The car was not working, then the car is fu**ed. And then excuse me for the language of it… Come on, what are we? Five year olds or six year olds?”
A Long-Standing Debate in F1
The debate over drivers’ language has been ongoing in F1, especially as the sport’s popularity grows and attracts younger audiences. Unlike other sports, where athletes are not constantly mic’d up, F1’s unique setup allows broadcasters to capture every word from the drivers, often adding to the drama but also leading to increased scrutiny over their conduct.
Ben Sulayem’s stance on limiting radio broadcasts and controlling the language used in F1 comes amid a series of controversies during his tenure as FIA president. From resurfaced comments dating back to 2001 to investigations over his handling of various Grand Prix events, Ben Sulayem’s leadership has often been under fire.
Verstappen Unmoved as FIA Tensions Continue
For Verstappen and other drivers, the pushback against stricter language controls is about maintaining the authenticity and emotional aspect of racing. As F1 balances the desire to entertain with the need to uphold standards, the tension between drivers and the FIA seems set to continue. With Ben Sulayem’s comments igniting further controversy, the debate over how much of F1’s raw emotion should be broadcasted remains unresolved.
