In a rare moment of solidarity, Formula 1’s drivers have come together to implore the FIA to treat them with the respect and maturity befitting their status as elite athletes, following a series of controversial comments made by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the regulation of swearing within the sport. The drivers expressed their dissatisfaction not only with these attempts to impose language restrictions but also highlighted inconsistencies in the President’s own use of language.
In a pointed open letter issued via the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), the drivers articulated their critique of Ben Sulayem’s methods and advocated for greater transparency concerning the allocation and utilization of fines imposed by the governing body. “As is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee’s decision, whether they like it or not, indeed whether they agree with it or not,” the GPDA asserted. “That is how sport works. The drivers (our members) are no different, and fully understand that.”
“Our members are professional drivers, racing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are gladiators and every racing weekend they put on a great show for the fans, demonstrating skill, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to the sport.”
“When it comes to swearing, there is a tangible difference between language aimed at insulting others and casual expressions typically used to convey frustration over elements like inclement weather, an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a particularly challenging driving scenario.”
“We urge the FIA president to take a moment to reflect on his own tone and language when communicating both with our member drivers and regarding them, whether it be in public forums or private discussions. Furthermore, our members are adults; they should not require media commentary to navigate trivial matters regarding attire, such as jewelry and undergarments.”
“The GPDA has consistently voiced its position that imposing financial penalties on drivers is inappropriate in the context of our sport. For the past three years, we have implored the FIA president to disclose details about the strategy and allocation of the funds generated from such fines. We have also expressed our concerns about the detrimental image that financial penalties project on the sport. We once again seek assurances from the FIA president regarding financial transparency and advocate for open, direct communication with our association. It is imperative that all stakeholders, comprising the FIA, F1, the teams, and the GPDA, collaboratively resolve how and where these financial resources are allocated for the betterment of our sport.”
“The GPDA wishes to collaborate in a constructive way with all the stakeholders, including the FIA president, in order to promote our great sport for the benefit of everyone who works in it, pays for it, watches it, and indeed loves it. We are committed to playing our part in this vital dialogue.”
While individual drivers have voiced their opinions on the swearing issue in recent races, the collective statement issued through the GPDA signifies a powerful show of unity that is seldom observed within the competitive environment of Formula 1.
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Pushing oneself to the absolute limits of human capability on the track,” the letter continued.
**Interview with a GPDA Representative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. The recent statement from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association was quite outspoken. Can you share the main reasons behind this collective response to the FIA President’s comments about swearing?
**GPDA Representative:** Certainly! The drivers feel strongly that they deserve a level of respect and maturity that matches their status as elite athletes. The comments from President Ben Sulayem regarding swearing were seen not just as inappropriate, but also inconsistent with the way he has expressed himself. It’s crucial to recognize that athletes often use strong language in the heat of competition; it’s a natural reaction to the pressures they face on the track.
**Interviewer:** In the letter, the GPDA emphasized the importance of transparency in how fines are allocated and utilized by the FIA. Can you elaborate on why this is so significant for the drivers?
**GPDA Representative:** Absolutely. Transparency is key in any governing organization, especially in a sport as high-profile and lucrative as Formula 1. Drivers want to understand not only why fines are imposed but also how the funds are being used. This ensures that everyone feels treated fairly and that there’s accountability within the FIA. It’s about maintaining trust between the athletes and the governing body.
**Interviewer:** You referred to drivers as “gladiators.” How do you think the challenges they face on race weekends contribute to their emotions and actions, including their choice of language?
**GPDA Representative:** That’s a great point! Formula 1 is incredibly intense—physically and mentally. Drivers experience extreme stress, split-second decision-making, and high-stakes competition every single race. When things go wrong, like mechanical issues or unpredictable weather conditions, it’s perfectly human to express frustration. The emotional aspect of racing is a part of what makes it so exciting for fans. We believe it should be a space where athletes can be authentic without fear of excessive reprimand for their language.
**Interviewer:** In light of this situation, what steps do you hope the FIA will take moving forward?
**GPDA Representative:** We hope for an open dialogue with the FIA and Mr. Ben Sulayem. It’s vital to collaborate on establishing clear and reasonable guidelines that respect the drivers’ expressions while also maintaining a level of professionalism. A mutual understanding can help foster a more positive environment for everyone involved in the sport.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights! It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves.
**GPDA Representative:** Thank you for having me. We hope for a constructive path forward in our sport.
