Lewis Hamilton F1 News: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem SLAMMED following 'racial' comment

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, FIA, 2024, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

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Hamilton SLAMS FIA president following 'racial' comment

Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently discussed his concerns over drivers using inappropriate language

Kevin McKenna

Friday 20 September 2024 09:57 Updated: 20:18

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Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the 'stereotypical' language used by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in a recent interview.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion discussed the president's comments ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, where the battle for the drivers' and constructors' world titles will resume.

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While Hamilton is not in contention to collect any silverware this season, he is aiming to finish his final seven races at Mercedes with a flourish before embarking on his next chapter at Ferrari in 2025.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been speaking about F1 drivers using foul language

F1 returns to Singapore this weekend for round 18 of the 2024 season

What did Ben Sulayem say?

In an interview released in the build-up to the showpiece event at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Ben Sulayem revealed he is looking to change the tone of content that is aired to fans of the sport.

He stated that drivers have a certain responsibility to monitor what they are saying over team radio, adding that a request had been put in to Formula One Management to limit the communication of foul language.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Ben Sulayem said: “There’s a difference between our sport, motorsport, and rap music.

“We’re not rappers. How many times a minute do they use the F-word? It’s not that many times with us, but that’s them and we’re us.

“I know, I was a driver. In the heat of the moment, when you think you are upset because another driver came to you and pushed you…

"When I used to drive in the dust [and something like that happened], I would get upset. But also, we have to be careful with our conduct, we need to be responsible people."

Lewis Hamilton has criticised the FIA president's choice of words

But it was the way in which his latest comments on the issue have been expressed that has provoked a strong response from Hamilton.

When asked to give his opinion on Ben Sulayem's latest comments, Hamilton admitted he shared some common ground with the FIA president, but questioned the language which was used to illustrate his point.

"Saying ‘rappers’ is very stereotypical," said the 105-time race winner. "If you think about it, most rappers are black.

“So when it says: ‘We are not like them’, those are the wrong choice of words. There is a racial element there.

“You forget that there are kids that are listening. So I agree in that sense.

"If you listen to some of the younger drivers, they’ve not got it yet and at some stage they possibly will.”

GPFans have contacted the FIA for comment.

Red Bull Lewis Hamilton Mercedes FIA Singapore Grand Prix Mohammed Ben Sulayem