**Lewis Hamilton Condemns FIA President’s Swearing Clampdown Comments as Racially Insensitive**

Lewis Hamilton alleges that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's comments had a "racial undertone" when referring to "rappers." Hamilton criticizes the FIA leader's "inappropriate" language, especially as stricter regulations on swearing are being enforced.

Lewis Hamilton has accused FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of introducing a "racial element" into his effort to reduce the use of profanity by F1 drivers.

The head of the organization overseeing Formula 1 aims to reduce the use of profanity by drivers during team radio communications that are subsequently broadcasted on F1 television.

Ben Sulaymen expressed to Autosport/Motorsport that it's crucial to distinguish between motorsport and rap music.

“We’re not like those rappers who use the f-word repeatedly. That’s their style, not ours. We are different.”

Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who earlier this year revealed that Ben Sulayem has “never” earned his trust or support, criticized the language used by the 62-year-old Emirati, who assumed his position in December 2021.

Hamilton reportedly told the media in Singapore, including PA, that he disliked Ben Sulayem's remarks, particularly the use of the term "rappers," which he found to be highly stereotypical.

"Considering that the majority of rappers are black, the phrase implies 'we are different from them.' Therefore, I believe the wording is inappropriate and carries a racial undertone."

Hamilton remarked, "At 22, I didn't give it much thought. Emotions ran high, and I would say whatever came to mind, not considering the wide audience, including children, who were listening."

"Some of the younger drivers today haven't figured that out yet. Eventually, they will. I'm confident that if penalties were introduced, it would put an end to this behavior, and perhaps that's what needs to happen."

"I believe there's somewhat an excess of this behavior. I concur that it requires some tidying up. Nevertheless, it's important to express emotions since we're not machines."

On Thursday, current world champion Max Verstappen shared his views on the FIA's efforts to limit the use of profanity.

During last weekend's race in Baku, the Dutch driver described his Red Bull car using an expletive at the drivers' press conference. Host Tom Clarkson then intervened to offer an apology.

“I believe the world is evolving somewhat, but it begins with not publicizing it or allowing people the chance to hear it at all,” Verstappen remarked.

Certainly, there are numerous applications available that allow users to listen to radio broadcasts and similar content. It's likely necessary to implement some restrictions or introduce a slight delay to filter out inappropriate material.

"That approach is much more effective than banning drivers. For instance, I couldn't even use the f-word. It's really not that offensive, is it?"

"The car was completely broken, totally messed up. Pardon my language, but seriously, are we acting like children?"

"Even young children, like those who are five or six years old, will end up using swear words eventually, regardless of whether their parents prohibit it or not."

"When they get older, they'll hang out with their friends and use foul language. So clearly, this isn't making any difference."

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