FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hinted potential changes to F1 team radio broadcasts for 2025 season.
The consideration arises from concerns over driver conduct and the use of inappropriate language during live events, prompting discussions about the future of unfiltered communications between teams and drivers.
The potential changes which were discussed at a summit attended by FIA officials at Circuito del Jarama include the removal or delayed transmission of F1 team radio broadcasts.
This move follows instances where drivers faced penalties for using offensive language. Max Verstappen was assigned community service for swearing at a press conference during the Singapore GP weekend, while Charles Leclerc received a $10,000 fine (half of which was suspended) for his language in Mexico.
In a bid to regulate driver conduct both on and off the track, the FIA made amendments to the International Sporting Code, enabling stricter penalties for ‘any misconduct’, public incitement of violence or hatred, statements that cause ‘moral injury’ to the FIA or its officials, or making and displaying political, personal or religious statements that violate the FIA’s neutrality principle.
Ben Sulayem has now suggested he will implement all options available to combat the use of offensive language in F1 team radio broadcasts.
“Do we go on and then shut down the radios of live communications? Maybe. Do we delay it? Maybe,” he said in a video published by Spanish publication SoyMotor.
“There’s a lot of things we will work [on] with our promoters. We are still the owners of the championship.”
Currently, F1 team radio broadcasts are aired with delays to filter inappropriate language, but premium services offer fans real-time uncensored exchanges. The potential changes could impact these raw communications which are a fan favorite and add a layer of authenticity to the broadcast.
Ben Sulayem has previously commented on the need to differentiate between motorsport and “rap music,” highlighting the importance of responsible conduct, especially with live broadcasts reaching audiences of all ages.
He questioned the message sent to children and grandchildren when they hear inappropriate language during races, highlighting the need for careful consideration of public communication.
However, Ben Sulayem’s approach has faced criticism, particularly after he likened drivers’ language to that of “rappers,” sparking concerns about racism.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association responded by calling for freedom of expression and urged the President to consider his own tone and language – only for him to later claim “the way he runs the organisation was none of their business.”
The potential changes to F1 team radio broadcasts could reignite tensions between the governing body and drivers as both seek to strike a balance between entertainment, authenticity, and responsible behavior.
While the aim is to maintain a clean and respectful image for Formula 1, the challenge lies in preserving the unfiltered real-time communications that many fans appreciate.
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