Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Hamilton: Racial element to FIA boss' comment

Written by 
Published in Breaking News
Thursday, 19 September 2024 09:01

Lewis Hamilton has raised concerns over FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem comparing Formula 1 drivers swearing on team radio to "rappers," saying there was a "racial element" to Ben Sulayem's comments.

In an interview with Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem said the FIA plans to clamp down on use of profanities over team radio, including removing offensive language from F1 broadcasts.

"We have to differentiate between our sport -- motorsport -- and rap music," Ben Sulayem told Motorsport.

"We're not rappers, you know. They say the F-word how many times per minute? We are not on that. That's them and we are [us]."

When asked about the comments, Hamilton said he understood the move to cut down on swearing for the benefit of younger audiences but took issue with the comparison.

"With what he's saying, I don't like how he's expressed it, saying that rappers is very stereotypical," Hamilton said.

"You think about most rappers are black. That really kind points it towards, when it says we're not like them.

"So I think those are the wrong choice of words, there's a racial element there. But as I said, I agree with the fact that I think [it needs] cleaning up a little bit."

ESPN has approached the FIA for comment.

In March this year, amid controversies surrounding the governing body, Hamilton said Ben Sulayem had "never" had his support.

The comments followed investigations by the FIA's compliance department into Ben Sulayem, in which the FIA president cleared of wrongdoing, and news that F1 Academy boss Susie Wolff was taking legal action against the FIA over a short-lived investigation into an alleged conflict of interest between Wolff and her husband Toto.

The FIA's plans to cut down swearing over team radio became a major talking point during driver media engagements ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

Speaking about the clampdown, Hamilton said younger drivers are less likely to censor their own language but that he now makes an effort not to use profanities.

"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 and the kids that are listening, all those kinds of things," Hamilton said.

"I agree in that sense that you listen to some of the younger drivers, and they just, they've not got it yet.

"And at some stage, they probably will. I'm sure if you put, like there's penalties for it, people will stop it. I don't know whether that's something that's needed. I definitely think there is a little bit too much of it.

"It's good to have some emotions. We're not robots. And for me, the way I control it is because there's like over 2,000 people that are working towards me having this position and being where I am.

"I've got a lot of followers of all ages. It's not about me. And even though I'm having this experience on-track, what I do and what I say affects all those people who are sacrificing time with their families, who are giving absolutely everything to have this privileged position and opportunity.

"I think it's just understanding that, and putting the aggression somewhere else. That's what I try and do."

Read 1 times

Soccer

Wirtz nets 2 on UCL debut in big Leverkusen win

Wirtz nets 2 on UCL debut in big Leverkusen win

Germany's 'Invincibles' Bayer Leverkusen opened their Champions League campaign with a resounding 4-...

UCL live blog: Arsenal visit Atalanta, Barcelona go to Monaco

UCL live blog: Arsenal visit Atalanta, Barcelona go to Monaco

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Champions League is back! Europe's premier club competition ret...

Messi launches production company 525 Rosario

Messi launches production company 525 Rosario

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsInter Miami star Lionel Messi has launched a production company tit...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Is continuity enough to get the Bucks back into title contention?

Is continuity enough to get the Bucks back into title contention?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA few days after the official start of NBA free agency this summer,...

Philly mayor strikes deal with 76ers for new arena

Philly mayor strikes deal with 76ers for new arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHILADELPHIA -- The 76ers have a new teammate in their bid to build...

Baseball

Jays' Bichette done for season with broken finger

Jays' Bichette done for season with broken finger

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsARLINGTON, Texas -- Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette will en...

Power Rankings: AL, NL wild-card teams on the move ahead of October

Power Rankings: AL, NL wild-card teams on the move ahead of October

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWe have our first official playoff teams! The Brewers clinched the...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated