Whilst responding to recent comments by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton has criticized what he described as a 'racial element' in Ben Sulayem's remarks about curtailing swearing during Formula One broadcasts.
Speaking to Autosport ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem commented:
"We have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music.
"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]."
Hamilton has disapproved of the way Ben Sulayem made his point. The Mercedes driver explained to Autosport:
"I don't like how he expressed it. Saying that rappers is very stereotypical and if you think about it, most rappers are black and that really kind of points it towards, when it says: 'We are not like them'. So I think those are the wrong choice of words. There is a racial element there."
While Hamilton agreed with the intent to reduce the use of expletives, he criticized the way Sulayem framed the issue. Reflecting on his past, Hamilton shared:
"When I was 22, I did not think of it as much and it was more about your emotions just firing and saying whatever comes to mind and forgetting however many people are listening and kids listening, and all those kinds of things.
"So I agree in that sense. You know, you listen to some of the other drivers and they have not got it yet, so at some stage they probably will.
"I am sure if you put penalties for it, people will stop it and maybe that's...I don't know whether that's needed but I definitely think there is a bit too much of it [swearing]."
Despite partially agreeing with the FIA chief, Hamilton noted that it is important for drivers to still show emotion. He added:
"It's good to have some emotion, we are not robots.
"For me, the way I control it, there is over 2,000 people working towards me having this position and being where I am.
"Obviously I've got a lot of followers of all ages, but it's not about me. And even though I'm having this experience on track, what I do and say affects all those people who are sacrificing time with their families and giving everything for me to have this privileged position and opportunity.
"I think it is just understanding that and putting the aggression somewhere else. That's what I try and do."
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has also spoken out on Ben Sulayem’s recent comments, stating to the media:
"I guess the world is changing a bit, but I guess it already starts with no broadcasting it.
"Or, not giving the option for people to hear it in general. That would help a lot more than putting bans on drivers.
"Because, for example, I couldn't even say the F-word and it's not even that bad. 'The car was not working, the car is Effed' – and [it's] 'excuse me for the language'.
"But, come on. Like, what are we? Five-year-olds? Six-year-olds? Even if a five-year-old or six-year-old is watching, they will eventually swear anyway.
"Even if their parents will not allow it, when they grow up they will walk round with their friends and they will be swearing. This is not changing anything."
