Although expletives are bleeped out on official television broadcasts, the frequency of such outbursts has become a concern for the governing body of motor racing. In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem revealed that they are taking steps to change the content presented to fans.
Ben Sulayem stated that there is a certain responsibility to monitor what drivers say and added that a request has been made to FOM to limit the use of foul language.
Ben Sulayem said, “I think we need to make a distinction between motorsport and rap music. We are not rappers. I really can’t count how many times they say ‘s*’ in a minute.”
Ben Sulayem, a 14-time Middle Eastern Rally champion, says he understands the frustrations drivers experience during races but believes that standards must be maintained.
“I understand them very well; I was a driver myself. Things like this can happen in the heat of the moment, but we need to be mindful of our behavior. We need to be responsible people.”
“With technology today, everything is broadcast live and recorded. At the end of the day, we should examine this: Are we minimizing what is said in public?”
“Imagine sitting down with your children to watch a race and then hearing someone use all these expletives. What would your children or grandchildren think? What would you be teaching them if this is the sport you practice or watch?”
When asked if the FIA could request FOM to limit the use of foul language in team radio communications on TV broadcasts, Ben Sulayem confirmed that this is already being done.
Ben Sulayem said, “We can do this, and we are doing it. We were actually the ones who initially approved more radio communications on TV. However, we have rules, and all of this is for the benefit and respect of the sport.”
Ben Sulayem made his comments about drivers “not being rappers” in response to a statement he posted on his personal Instagram account during the summer break, which mentioned a change in the FIA International Sporting Code’s definition of ‘abuse.’
The statement read: “As part of our ongoing fight against online abuse, recent research has shown a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and the increasing hate directed at officials on social media.”
“At the recent World Motor Sport Council, members approved a change to the definition of misconduct within the ISC following incidents where high-profile members of our sport made statements encouraging abuse towards officials.”
This is not the first recent change to the International Sporting Code. At the end of 2022, an article was added prohibiting the general expression of political, religious, and personal opinions that specifically violate the principle of general neutrality promoted under the FIA’s Statutes for International or National Competitions within its jurisdiction.
After numerous drivers expressed concerns about how this would affect their freedom to express personal opinions, a clarification was issued in early 2023.
Ben Sulayem said, “Rules aren’t there to stay the same for 30 years. You need to develop, change, remove, and add many things. I don’t do this myself. We have committees that work on these kinds of issues.”
“You cannot go to a country and exploit it just because they are paying a lot of money. If you don’t like the country, don’t go there. If you are getting a license from the FIA, you should respect the authority granting that license.”
“We are pleased with our drivers. They should go out, have fun, and race doing what they do best. But at the same time, we must respect the sport.”
“With my background and 40 years of experience, I am trying to add ethics to this, to bring balance, fairness, and transparency. It is a difficult responsibility, but I believe I can manage it.”
