In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem urged Formula One drivers to refrain from swearing over team radio messages, stating, "We're not rappers." These comments have attracted criticism from Lewis Hamilton, who believes there is a "racial element" in the choice of words used by Ben Sulayem.

Ben Sulayem explained that the FIA had requested Formula One Management to reduce the amount of foul language broadcasted during races. He made a comparison between motorsport and rap music, stating, "They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That's them and we are [us]."

Hamilton expressed his disagreement with Ben Sulayem's remarks, highlighting the stereotypical nature of associating rappers with foul language. The seven-time F1 World Champion emphasized that most rappers are black, which reflects poorly on the racial implications of the statement. He commented, "There is a racial element there... I think those are the wrong choice of words."

While Hamilton was critical of the phrasing, he did agree with the idea of discouraging the use of expletives and proposed the implementation of fines to address the issue. Reflecting on his own experience, Hamilton admitted that in his early years in Formula One, he did not consider the impact of his words and emotions on a wide audience, including young fans. He believes that penalties could eventually deter drivers from using offensive language.

Acknowledging the importance of maintaining a balance between punishment and freedom of expression, Hamilton stated that it is crucial to express emotions on the track, as F1 drivers are not robots. However, he also stressed the responsibility that comes with being in the privileged position he holds, recognizing the sacrifices made by his team and fans.

Ultimately, Hamilton advocates for redirecting aggression and finding alternative ways to express oneself without resorting to offensive language. He emphasized the impact his words have on his team and the wider public, and he strives to be conscious of the influence he has as a prominent figure in the sport.

As discussions around swearing in Formula One continue, it remains to be seen whether further actions will be taken to address the issue and strike a balance between emotional expression and maintaining a respectful environment on and off the track.