The FIA asks Formula 1 to reduce the presence of swearing in television broadcasts
The president of the organization, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, recently asked Formula One Management to take measures to limit the broadcasting of vulgar language on television. He explained that even if the insults were censored, their increasing frequency poses a problem for the sport's image.
In the face of the increasing swearing broadcasted during Formula 1 races, the FIA has decided to react. Its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, asked the Formula One Management (FOM) to reduce the broadcasting of vulgar language on television. In an interview with Autosport, he explained that even if the insults were censored, their growing frequency was damaging the sport’s image.
A behavior to watch closely
We are not rappers, you know,” highlighted Ben Sulayem, referring to the vulgarity sometimes present in this musical genre. In motorsport, we must maintain a certain standard. Repeated swears have no place on public airwaves.
Ben Sulayem, 14-time champion of the Middle East Rally, however specified that he understood that the stress of races could lead to excesses of language, but he believes that this should not excuse outbursts: “I know, I was a driver. In the heat of the moment, when you think you are angry because another driver has pushed you… When I was driving in the dust and a similar thing happened, I also got upset. But we must be careful of our behavior. We must be responsible individuals.”
A shared responsibility
The FIA believes that drivers must be more aware of the impact of their words, especially in an environment where everything is broadcast live: « With current technology, everything is broadcast live and everything is recorded. At the end of the day, we have to study this to see: are we minimizing what is said publicly? »
« Imagine that you are sitting with your children watching the race, and then someone uses this vulgar language. What would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if this was your sport? » Ben Sulayem asked.
According to him, it is up to both the drivers and the sports organization to ensure that the values of respect are properly maintained.
Rules already in place
Ben Sulayem confirmed that the FIA had already started working with FOM to reduce these excesses of language: “We can and we do. It is us who have approved more radio discussions in the television broadcasts. But we have rules, and these rules are there for the good of the sport. They are also made to be monitored and respected.”
This decision is part of a series of recent measures taken by the FIA to combat behaviors deemed inappropriate. During the last World Motor Sport Council, the definition of “misconduct” was strengthened in order to sanction degrading remarks towards sports officials.
« As part of our ongoing fight against online abuse, recent investigations have shown a direct link between negative comments from drivers and team members and the increase in hatred directed at officials on social media,” said the President of the FIA.
Preserve the image of Formula 1
This is not the first time that the FIA has taken steps to regulate public expression in the world of motor sports. In 2022, the organization banned unauthorized political, religious, or personal statements during competitions in order to preserve the neutrality of the sport.
By acting to reduce the swearing broadcast, the FIA hopes to enhance the image of Formula 1 as a high-level sport, while ensuring a respectful environment for fans, and especially for the younger generations.
