The ongoing standoff between Formula One drivers and Mohammed ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA, over the issue of swearing fines in motorsport may be moving towards a resolution. As the 2025 Miami Grand Prix approaches, Ben Sulayem shared on social media that, following “constructive feedback” from drivers across the motorsport world, he is considering revising the rulebook concerning the penalties for a range of infractions, including swearing.
Ben Sulayem had been aiming to impose stricter punishments for swearing in F1, a campaign that started last year and gained traction for 2025 with new regulations. These changes allowed for harsher fines and even suspensions for drivers who use offensive language, particularly in post-race interviews or radio communications. However, this initiative was met with widespread discontent, both from drivers and fans, who argued that the rules seemed overly punitive and failed to account for the high-pressure, emotionally charged nature of racing.
“Humans make the rules and humans can improve the rules,” Ben Sulayem wrote in his Instagram post, indicating a potential shift in his stance. His words suggested that there could be adjustments in the way the FIA handles punishments related to swearing, hinting at a more balanced and thoughtful approach. Ben Sulayem also reaffirmed his commitment to continuous improvement, which has been a central tenet of his leadership at the FIA.
The issue first sparked debate when Ben Sulayem implemented stricter penalties in an attempt to maintain decorum and professionalism in the sport. His reasoning was that motorsport, as a global and prestigious sport, should not tolerate the kind of language often heard in the heat of the moment on team radios. However, many drivers, including reigning world champion Max Verstappen, voiced their opposition to these changes. Verstappen suggested that swearing should not be an issue for the drivers, but rather for broadcasters who chose to air the content. He argued that other sports do not subject their athletes to constant mic-ing, and that the language used in other contexts, especially under stress or frustration, often goes unnoticed or unpunished.
In particular, Verstappen emphasized the idea that the issue was more about entertainment value for TV networks, as these broadcasts often highlight moments where drivers express anger or frustration, including the use of expletives. As he put it, “I think it already just starts with not broadcasting it.”
There is also a cultural and linguistic aspect to the controversy. Several drivers pointed out that non-English speakers, when frustrated, may use words without fully understanding their meanings or implications. In this context, a lenient approach to swearing was seen as more reasonable. After all, using an expletive to express dissatisfaction with oneself or a car’s performance might not carry the same weight as targeting another person with offensive language.
One of the most vocal critics of the new swearing regulations was Lewis Hamilton, who expressed concern that there was a “racial element” to Ben Sulayem’s comments, although this was not expanded upon in detail. Hamilton’s remarks were a reflection of broader concerns regarding potential bias and the impact of these rules on athletes from different backgrounds.
Recent developments, however, suggest that Ben Sulayem may be reconsidering his stance. In a notable example, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was not fined for using an expletive during a news conference, despite previously facing a fine for being late to a national anthem. This was seen as a sign of flexibility, possibly indicating that the FIA president is open to reassessing how these fines are applied.
As the debate over swearing in F1 continues, the question remains whether the FIA’s eventual changes will provide a more balanced approach that considers the pressures of racing, the role of broadcasters, and the diverse backgrounds of the drivers. For Ben Sulayem, a change in direction could ease tensions with drivers and help avoid further conflict as he faces re-election later this year. This situation is one of many in his tenure that has led to clashes with both drivers and officials, but a potential resolution to the swearing issue could represent a turning point in his leadership.
