The language used by Formula 1 drivers during radio communications has become a subject of discussion in recent times. Swear words and impulsive outbursts, broadcast live worldwide, have raised questions about the image of the sport. In this regard, the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has expressed his disappointment and sent a clear message to the drivers, calling for more respectful behavior on team radio. According to Ben Sulayem, Formula 1 must maintain a high standard of professionalism and cannot afford to adopt foul language, especially considering the global reach of the sport.
Ben Sulayem against swearing in team radio: “We must maintain a high standard”
Ben Sulayem, in an interview with Motorsport stressed how important it is to differentiate sports from other forms of entertainment, such as rap music, which is often associated with explicit language. The president of the FIA He made it clear that Formula 1 must maintain an image of respect and decorum, while understanding the tensions experienced on the track.
“We need to differentiate our sport from rap music,” Ben Sulayem said. “We are not rappers, yet how many times a minute do drivers swear? We are not like that, that’s something rappers do, not us… I was a driver and I know what it feels like in the tension of the moment when a rival pushes you off, but we also need to be aware and responsible for our behavior. Now everything is broadcast live and recorded, so we need to think about how to minimize the risk of certain language being used publicly.”
Ben Sulayem wanted to point out that, while he understands the frustration of the drivers at certain times, this does not justify the use of inappropriate language. Radio communications, in fact, are listened to by millions of viewers around the world and must therefore reflect the high level of professionalism and respect that characterizes Formula 1.
The role of pilots as role models for young spectators
A particularly important issue raised by Ben Sulayem concerns the impact that the behavior of drivers has on young fans. Formula 1 drivers are not only top-level athletes, but also role models for millions of children and teenagers who follow the races. The use of swear words and foul language risks sending a negative message to the youngest, compromising the values of sportsmanship that Formula 1 wants to promote.
“You have to think that there are also children who watch the races… What are we teaching them about our sport? The FIA has approved the choice to broadcast more live radio conversations. But there are also rules designed for the good of the sport, and those rules also say that you have to behave in a polite and respectable manner.”
The FIA has decided to increase radio broadcasts to bring fans closer to the action on the track. However, it is aware that this choice also entails greater responsibility in terms of language and behavior.
FIA: new rules on misconduct
Ben Sulayem’s comments on team radio are not just a moral call, they also reflect a concrete change in the rules of Formula 1. The FIA has recently revised the regulations to include foul language in the definition of “misconduct”. This decision was also taken in response to studies showing a correlation between aggressive statements by drivers and the increase in hatred and criticism against race stewards on social networks.
“The rules were not written to remain unchanged for 30 years, but they need to be improved, changed, removed and added. And I am not the one doing it, but committees that study how to do it. The previous rules on the subject were written in 1972. Nobody knew it, but they had been there since '72!”
Furthermore, Ben Sulayem extended his warning not only to drivers, but also to team principals. In fact, already in 2023, some team principals had been warned for using inappropriate expressions during official press conferences. This shows that the FIA wants to maintain a high level of professionalism at all levels of the sport. From drivers to managers.
