Lewis Hamilton calls for an end to F1 radio verbal abuse

Hamilton in Mexico — Photo: © LAT Images

Lewis Hamilton

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Hamilton calls for an end to F1 radio verbal abuse

Team radio broadcasts provide a unique insight but at what cost?

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Friday 5 November 2021 05:00

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Lewis Hamilton has explained F1 drivers must "think about the young kids" watching before bursting into x-rated tirades over the team radio.

In recent years, F1 has granted its audience wider access to radio communications between the teams, drivers and most recently, the FIA.

On occasion, it is at a price as messages are often selected for broadcast because of the expletives being uttered by a driver in reaction to an on-track incident or stewards' decision.

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In a recent incident during practice for the United States Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was broadcast giving Hamilton the middle finger before labelling the Mercedes driver "a stupid idiot".

This footage and the transmission immediately went viral across social media.

Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton believes drivers should be mindful of their audience before speaking out over the team radio.

“I’ve been here for a long time so it’s not my first rodeo but I think at the core of everything has to be respect," said Hamilton.

“When I think about, and I hear things that come out of driver’s mouths, I do think about the young kids. There are kids watching us and they’re looking for inspiration and for guidance.

“There has been a lot of things that have been said which are definitely not good for young kids that are watching.

“For me, I just try to remain positive, keep calm and again, just be respectful to the drivers that I am fighting. If I have a name in my head of what I think they are, I don’t share that.

“But it’s pretty easy for me. You laugh it off and move forwards.”

Aware the actions of drivers in F1 today can alter those of the stars of the future for the better, Hamilton added: “If I can lead by example.

"We have no doubt a lot of youngsters that are racing are looking at what I do and what I say and that is important for me.”