Lewis Hamilton challenges FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's comments about F1 drivers and rappers, highlighting potential racial undertones in the remarks ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton contends that there is a 'racial aspect' to the remarks made by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who stated that Formula One drivers should refrain from behaving like rappers. Ben Sulayem expressed this controversial viewpoint in an interview, where he claimed that F1 drivers have a duty to eliminate swearing from their radio communications. Such expletive-laden messages are censored and subsequently aired during races.
Ben Sulayem, 62, stated to Autosport, 'We need to distinguish between our sport – motorsport – and rap music. We're not rappers, you know. They drop the f-word how many times every minute? That's them, we are something different.' In response to Ben Sulayem's comments ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton, 39, remarked: 'Regarding what he (Ben Sulayem) said, I find his expression to be problematic. Referring to 'rappers' is quite stereotypical. When you consider it, most rappers are black, which implies 'we are not like them.' Therefore, I believe he chose the wrong words, and there is a racial element to this.'
The FIA has been approached for a statement. Ben Sulayem, who was elected as FIA president in December 2021, has faced a series of controversies. In March, he was exonerated by his organization's ethics committee after being accused of interfering with the outcome of last year's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and making attempts to obstruct the approval of Formula 1's GBP 500 million Las Vegas Grand Prix on the Strip.
Hamilton stated that Ben Sulayem has 'never' supported him. Following Hamilton's defeat to Max Verstappen in the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Ben Sulayem imposed a fine of 50,000 EUR (GBP 42,000) on the seven-time world champion for not attending the FIA's awards ceremony. Subsequently, Hamilton engaged in a prolonged conflict with Ben Sulayem regarding the wearing of jewelry in his Mercedes cockpit. Hamilton was required to take out his nose stud prior to the 2022 British Grand Prix, but he later received an FIA medical exemption to wear the piercings due to 'concerns about disfigurement' in the subsequent season.
During his interview with Autosport, Ben Sulayem mentioned that he has discussed his concerns regarding inappropriate language with the management of Formula One. Hamilton added: 'When I was 22, I didn't think about it that much. Emotions were high, and I would say whatever popped into my head, often forgetting how many people were listening, including children. 'If you listen to some of the younger drivers today, they still haven't grasped that. Eventually, they will. I'm confident that if penalties were introduced for such language, it would cease, and perhaps that is something worth considering.
“I genuinely believe there is a bit too much of it. I agree that it needs to be addressed. However, displaying some emotion is also important. We are not machines.” Verstappen, who earlier this year encouraged those criticizing his explicit radio communications to “lower the volume,” was reminded by the FIA moderator during the official press conference to preview Sunday's race to be mindful of his language after he described his car as “f*****” in the previous round in Azerbaijan. “I apologize for the language, but come on,” Verstappen remarked.
“What are we, five or six years old? Even if a young child happens to be watching, they'll end up swearing eventually, regardless of their parents' attempts to prevent it. In various sports, many people express themselves with strong language when fueled by adrenaline, but it often goes unnoticed. Our primary purpose here is likely entertainment. It begins with not airing those moments; if it’s not broadcasted, no one will hear it. It reflects the society we live in today, where individuals seem to be more sensitive to these matters.”
