Formula One drivers hit back at FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem amid ongoing...Read m

Formula One drivers have expressed frustration with the FIA over its treatment of their behavior, particularly regarding the use of language, and have called on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to be more mindful of his own tone. In recent weeks, two high-profile drivers, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, faced penalties for using expletives during public appearances, fueling an ongoing debate about the role of swearing in the sport.

The controversy began after Verstappen was penalized for describing his car as “f*****” during a press conference following the Singapore Grand Prix in September. The FIA’s response to Verstappen’s outburst was to require him to complete “some work of public interest.” Leclerc was also punished for swearing, though the specifics of his case were not as widely reported. These incidents prompted FIA president Ben Sulayem to speak out on the matter, stating in an interview with Autosport that Formula 1 drivers should refrain from swearing, particularly over the radio. He suggested that they had a responsibility to act more professionally and avoid language associated with certain subcultures, like rap music.

Formula One drivers hit back at FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem amid ongoing

However, drivers, represented by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), have now voiced their concerns in an open letter. The letter argues that there is a distinct difference between swearing used to insult others and swearing used casually, for example, to express frustration with a difficult race or the performance of an F1 car. The drivers stress that expletives in these contexts are not intended to be disrespectful, but rather a natural expression of frustration. They further urge Ben Sulayem to consider the way he himself communicates, both publicly and privately, with drivers. The GPDA points out that as professional athletes, F1 drivers should be treated as adults, capable of managing their own language and actions without unnecessary interference.

The letter also references past controversies, particularly the ongoing issues surrounding the wearing of jewelry. Lewis Hamilton, for instance, had a well-publicized clash with the FIA over his nose stud before the 2022 British Grand Prix. Hamilton was forced to remove the piercing in compliance with FIA rules but was later granted an exemption due to medical concerns. The GPDA believes that such matters—such as instructions about jewelry or clothing—are trivial and do not warrant such attention from the governing body. Instead, they argue, the FIA should focus on more significant matters related to the sport’s integrity and the drivers’ professionalism.

The drivers’ open letter also highlighted concerns about financial penalties and the lack of transparency regarding how the money from fines is used. The GPDA has repeatedly asked the FIA to clarify how fines are allocated and where the funds go, especially given the increasing frequency of financial penalties imposed on drivers. In the letter, the GPDA reiterated its position that monetary fines are not appropriate for Formula 1, as they do not align with the values of the sport and can create a negative image of the sport as a whole. They have called for more openness and direct communication from the FIA president, urging him to share details about the distribution of fines and how the funds are spent.

This open letter marks the latest chapter in the ongoing tension between Formula 1 drivers and the FIA. The drivers’ message is clear: they expect to be treated with respect and professionalism, and they want the governing body to take a more transparent, measured approach in handling issues like language, fines, and personal conduct. The GPDA’s call for better communication with the FIA is not just about swearing or trivial matters, but about fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding between the drivers and the governing body that oversees their sport. With the issue of swearing and penalties still unresolved