Lewis Hamilton has voiced his unease over remarks made by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of Formula One's governing body, who suggested that F1 drivers should refrain from swearing like rap artists. Hamilton expressed his discontent with the "racial element" he perceived in Ben Sulayem's choice of words.

In the lead-up to the Singapore Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem, the FIA president, expressed concern about drivers using profanity on team radio, despite the fact that these messages are broadcast with a delay, ensuring that expletives are censored. "We must distinguish between our sport—motorsport—and rap music," he stated. "We are not rappers. They use the f-word multiple times per minute. That's their world, not ours."

Hamilton, who has had several disagreements with Ben Sulayem since his appointment in December 2021, felt that the president's words carried a racial bias. "His use of the term 'rappers' is highly stereotypical," Hamilton commented. "Most rappers are black, so it implies: 'We are not like them.' This choice of words is inappropriate and carries a racial undertone."

Ben Sulayem has yet to respond to Hamilton's comments. His tenure has been marred by controversies, including past sexist remarks on his personal website and questioning the valuation of Formula One in 2023, which led to a legal warning from Formula One Management.

More recently, the FIA investigated Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, and his wife, Susie Wolff, over allegations of sharing confidential information. However, no charges were filed, and the FIA provided no explanation for the investigation's rationale or conclusions.

Hamilton has consistently criticized the FIA president, citing a lack of accountability and transparency within the organization. Other drivers, including Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, also dismissed Ben Sulayem's latest comments.

At a press conference in Singapore, Verstappen, the world champion, described his car as "fucked" during the last round in Baku and was cautioned by the moderator. He responded dismissively, questioning the need to moderate drivers' emotions. "Even if a five-year-old is watching, they will eventually swear," he said. "What are we, five-year-olds?"

Norris echoed Verstappen's stance, noting that fans would lose the "authenticity of drivers' thoughts and feelings" if team radio or sanctions were restricted. "I find it cool and exciting," Norris said. "It's not just polite, gentle language. If that's what you want to hear, there are plenty of other sports to watch."