By Humberto Viera
Sep 19, 2024, 7:46 PM EDT
Lewis Hamilton has expressed his concern over comments by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who compared Formula 1 drivers who used bad language on team radio to “rappers”. Hamilton suggested there was a “racial element” to Ben Sulayem’s remarks.
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem claimed that the FIA was planning to tighten measures against the use of profanity in team radio broadcasts. “We have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music,” Ben Sulayem said. “We are not rappers, you know? How many times a minute do they say the F-word? We are not like that. It is them and we are rappers. [nosotros]”.
Asked about the comments, Hamilton said he understood the intent to limit inappropriate language to benefit younger viewers, but did not agree with the comparison.
“With what he’s saying, I don’t like the way he’s phrased it, saying that rappers are very stereotypical,” Hamilton said. He added that such statements lead to the belief that “most rappers are black,” which he believes points to a problem. “That really points to it, when he says we’re not like them. I think those are the wrong words, there’s a racial element there. But like I said, I do agree with the fact that I think that [es necesario] polish it up a bit.”
The FIA’s plan to reduce swearing on team radio has been a central topic in the media ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. Hamilton, speaking about these restrictions, explained that younger drivers tend not to censor their language, but he has learned to control his expressions. “When I was 22, I didn’t think about it as much and it was more like your emotions just went through and you said whatever came to your mind,” Hamilton said. However, he is now more aware of the impact it has on the audience, especially children.
Hamilton concluded by stating that while it is important to show emotion on track, drivers must be aware of the impact of their words and actions on those who support them, including those working behind the scenes and their fans of all ages.
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