F1 drivers swear by their 'human' emotions

Leading Formula One drivers at this week's Singapore Grand Prix said on Sept 19 they would not tone down their language on team radio, after governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) warned them to cut out the swearing.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem told Autosport.com in an interview that he had asked Formula One Management to minimise the amount of foul language being broadcast on television.

He said motor sport was not "rap music" and drivers should mind their language, especially as children might be watching.

But three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who is no stranger to a colourful outburst, told reporters that if the FIA did not like what drivers say in the heat of a race, then the solution is to simply not broadcast it.

"What are we? Five-year-olds? Six-year-olds?" the Red Bull driver said. "Even if a five-year-old or six-year-old is watching, they will eventually swear anyway when they grow up. Everyone swears, some people a bit more than others."