Toto Wolff also wants a clampdown on driver swearing (Image: Getty)
has taken the side of president in his clampdown on driver language after revealing that his seven-year-old son has started swearing as a result of listening to F1 race broadcasts.
Ben Sulayem launched an aggressive anti-swearing stance ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, explaining that F1 stars are role models and that they should not be talking like “rappers” – a comment that was heavily criticised by drivers and pundits alike.
That weekend, his stewards hit with a community service punishment for a slip of the tongue during the official FIA press conference, leaving the driver furious. He has since boldened his defence, insisting that there is nothing wrong with using foul language within reason.
Wolff, however, disagrees. “I have a seven-year-old that go-karts and that watches everything,” he said. “It is the first time, a few months ago, that he said, ‘What the f**k’, and I said, ‘Where did you hear that from?’
“He said from the drivers. So I have my conflicts with Mohammed, but in that instance the drivers, all of the drivers, are role models. They are on air and they are entitled, and they are empowered.
“I disagree with many of the other things that he came up with, but on that one, I think if you translate ‘f**k’ into your own language or my language, it is pretty rude. I would never say that on the radio.
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Max Verstappen was heavily punished by the FIA for swearing (Image: Getty)
“George [Russell] and I, and Lewis [Hamilton] had this conversation, and they know I don’t like it. So I am perfectly fine that we are really able to limit that. There are a handful of drivers, some native, some not, that come out with the things and, for me, I would be happy to sanction that even more. That’s just my opinion.”
These comments will not improve Wolff’s chances of luring the Dutchman to in 2026. In a recent Viaplay interview, Verstappen fumed: “Of course, I understand that you can’t curse in a press conference, but it was language; it got out quickly.
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“We all grew up like this, the people sat there as well. And certain people are saying: ‘My five-year-old grandchild is also watching this’. When I was 5 years old, I also sat between adults cursing. My parents didn’t curse at me, of course.
“But what do you think I said at school? You’ll always have that. Is it not said to me there, it’ll be used at school. You want to act tough as a child towards others. It’s a part of it. Of course, you have to watch your language, but to be punished like a toddler has me wondering, what are we doing in this sport?”