Lewis Hamilton's Disapproval

Lewis Hamilton has voiced his disapproval of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s comments regarding the use of foul language on Formula One team radios. While Hamilton acknowledges the need for cleaner communication, he finds Ben Sulayem's comparison to rappers to be "very stereotypical."

FIA President's Remarks

During a recent interview with Autosport, Ben Sulayem expressed his concerns about the language used during races, arguing that drivers should not sound like performers in the rap industry—suggesting the frequent use of explicit language. "We’re not rappers," he stated. "They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That’s them, and we are (us)."

Hamilton Challenges the Analogy

Hamilton challenged this analogy, pointing out the racial implications inherent in associating foul language with rap culture. “You think about — most rappers are black. That really kind of points it towards when he says, ‘We’re not like them.’ So I think those are the wrong choice of words; there’s a racial element there,” he remarked.

FIA President's Controversies

This isn’t the first time Ben Sulayem has found himself at the center of controversy since his election to the FIA presidency in 2021. Earlier this year, he faced allegations of meddling with the results of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and was similarly criticized for threatening to block the Las Vegas street circuit approval. He has also dealt with scrutiny over an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving Toto and Susie Wolff, which concluded swiftly with the FIA reaffirming that appropriate measures were in place.

Hamilton's Stance on Language

Earlier in the 2023 season, when asked whether the FIA president had their support, Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, bluntly stated, “He never has,” reflecting a sentiment that echoes in the paddock.

The Importance of Responsible Communication

While Hamilton believes there is a need for drivers to moderate their language, he stresses the importance of understanding the influence they wield as public figures. In a recent conversation in Singapore, he explained, “When I was 22, I didn’t think of it as much and it was more your emotions are just firing, and you’re saying whatever comes to mind, forgetting how many people are listening, including kids.” Hamilton recognized that younger drivers often don’t understand this yet but believes they will over time.

Advocating for Professionalism

He advocates for more responsible communication, recognizing the vast number of people supporting him and the impact of his words. “There’s like over 2,000 people that are working towards me having this position,” he noted. “I’ve got a lot of followers of all ages. It’s not about me. What I do and what I say affects all those people who are sacrificing time with their families.”

Balancing Emotions and Professionalism

Despite his critiques, Hamilton acknowledges that the emotional nature of racing should come through, stating, “Drivers are not robots. It’s good to have some emotions.” Yet, he maintains a disciplined approach to his radio communications, steering any aggression into more constructive outlets.

Conclusion and Future Aspirations

As the debate over team radio language continues, Hamilton remains aware of the broader implications of his role in Formula One, urging his fellow competitors to follow suit in fostering a respectful and professional image in the sport. Stay tuned as Hamilton also champions a long-awaited return of Formula 1 to Africa, asserting that the sport cannot afford to ignore the rich history and passionate fan base on the continent.