Sacked F1 Steward Tim Mayer Criticizes FIA President Over Swearing Clampdown

Former FIA steward Tim Mayer has made bold claims against FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, alleging that the president has been “directly involved” in enforcing a tougher stance on swearing in Formula 1. Mayer’s comments come after his sudden dismissal, which he says occurred via text message following a “conflict of interest” accusation.

FIA’s Swearing Policy Under Scrutiny

This season, the FIA has adopted a stricter approach to foul language in Formula 1, aiming to hold drivers accountable for their words in official settings. President Ben Sulayem has emphasized that drivers, as global role models, should avoid swearing. Speaking on the matter, Ben Sulayem remarked that motorsport should not be compared to “rap music,” a comment that sparked backlash, including criticism from Lewis Hamilton, who called the remark racially insensitive.

Punishments for Swearing

The FIA has already penalized drivers under this new policy. Notable incidents include:

• Max Verstappen: Ordered to perform public service after swearing during a press conference in Singapore.
• Charles Leclerc: Fined €5,000 for a similar offense during a press event in Mexico.

These penalties prompted an open letter from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, which criticized the FIA’s micromanagement of trivial matters and called for a more respectful tone from the organization’s president.

Tim Mayer’s Accusations Against Ben Sulayem

Mayer, who had been a senior steward for 12 seasons, claims his dismissal was not due to the cited “conflict of interest” but rather part of a broader power play by the FIA president. He alleged that Ben Sulayem’s focus on swearing stems from a “desire to flex his muscles.”

In an interview with BBC Sport, Mayer explained:

“His view that the drivers need to be penalized for swearing – that is his view and what has happened since reflects that. There are times when he has directly involved himself in making his views known, not with the stewards directly, but via his staff.”

Mayer also pointed out that most drivers are not native English speakers, making minor expletives a less significant issue in context. He suggested that the FIA’s focus on punishing swearing is unnecessary, saying, “There are other ways to handle that kind of thing unless your desire is to flex your muscles.”

Drivers Push Back on FIA’s Approach

The open letter from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association underscored the drivers’ frustration with the FIA’s increasing control over personal and professional conduct. The letter highlighted concerns over micromanagement, referencing not only the swearing clampdown but also controversies surrounding jewelry bans and other regulations.

The letter stated:

“Our members are adults. They do not need to be given instructions by the media about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewelry or underpants.”

The Fallout Continues

While the FIA has not yet responded to Mayer’s comments or clarified the reasons for his dismissal, the controversy continues to fuel debates about the governing body’s priorities and leadership style.

Key questions remain:

• Will the FIA reconsider its stance on swearing and driver penalties?
• How will Ben Sulayem address growing criticisms from both stewards and drivers?

As Formula 1’s leadership faces mounting scrutiny, the future of these policies and the balance of authority within the sport remain uncertain.