Lewis Hamilton feels that FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem has overstepped himself in his choice of words regarding too many expletives in Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton finds a “racist element” in FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem’s choice of words in his attempt to tackle swearing in Formula 1.
Bin Sulayem had stated that the FIA had asked the Formula One management to censor swear words in TV broadcasts, such as on pit radio, more strictly. He said: “We have to differentiate between our sport, motorsport, and rap music. We are not rappers. How many times do they say the F-word in a minute? That’s not us. They are them and we are us.”
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton was asked for his thoughts on bin Sulayem’s comments about ‘rappers’ and whether a crackdown on swearing was needed. On the first point, Hamilton questions the choice of language used.
He says: “I don’t like the way he phrased it. Saying that rappers are very stereotypical, and when you think about it, most rappers are black, and that really does suggest itself when it says, ‘We’re not like them.’ So I think that’s the wrong choice of words. There is a racial element to it.”
However, the 39-year-old does agree with the idea of asking drivers to use less profanity, and suggests fines might work: ”When I was 22, I didn’t think about it as much, and it was more about letting your emotions out and saying whatever comes to mind, regardless of how many people are listening and how many kids are listening.”
“In that sense, I agree. You listen to some of the other drivers, and they haven’t got it yet. But at some point, they’ll probably get it. I’m sure if you start fining people for it, people will stop doing it, and maybe that’s… I don’t know if it’s necessary, but I definitely think there’s a bit too much swearing.”
However, Hamilton believes it is important to maintain a balance between punishment and freedom of expression. He emphasizes: ”It’s good to have emotions. We’re not robots. (…) Of course I have many supporters of all ages, but it’s not about me. Everything I do and say affects all those people who sacrifice time with their families.”
Hamilton’s statements came after Max Verstappen had previously used the F-word in a live TV press conference. Earlier, Kevin Magnussen had joked that he could now say “fuck” and “shit” again after returning from his suspension. And Carlos Sainz said both “fuck” and “shit” at his media session on Thursday.
