Drivers unite to challenge FIA crackdown on swearing

George Russell and other Formula 1 drivers are preparing to write a public letter expressing their dissatisfaction with the FIA regarding <a href="/f1/actualite/34807-max-verstappen-sanctionne-fia-juron-conference-presse.html" title="Max Verstappen sanctioned by the FIA for swearing in a press conference.

"the case of Max Verstappen's swearing.

Before the Singapore Grand Prix, <a href="/f1/actualite/34791-la-fia-demande-f1-reduire-presence-jurons-dans-retransmissions-televisees.html" title="FIA asks F1 to reduce the presence of swear words in TV broadcasts".

" The FIA and its president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have strengthened their position against F1 drivers' swearing.

Verstappen was the first to suffer the consequences, swearing during the Thursday press conference in Singapore, which resulted in him being punished with community service.

A Contested Sanction

The Dutchman strongly criticized the FIA’s sanctioning method, and Russell confirmed that all drivers agree on this point: It seems a bit ridiculous that we have come to this point. We have not yet spoken with the FIA, but we hope to do so next week in Mexico. Collectively, we are all on the same page. Next week, we will probably propose something formal for you to read as a united group.

Verstappen has not yet served his punishment for swearing, a sanction deemed ridiculous by Lewis Hamilton who hopes that the Dutchman will not comply with this decision.

Hamilton continued his opposition to the FIA in Austin, saying: “I think that as far as Formula 1 is concerned, they probably know that it was not a good image and they are probably looking for another solution for the future.”

Swear words on the racetrack: the intensity of the moment

The stance of Ben Sulayem and the FIA on swearing extends beyond press conferences, with the governing body seeking to reduce vulgar language during TV broadcasts of races. That being said, the swearing exchanged during radio communications of the drivers remains an internal communication, made public at the discretion of the F1 TV direction.

Russell brought up this aspect of the debate on swearing: « We don’t want to remove the intensity of the moment or the emotions that the drivers show during a race. I think it’s up to the broadcaster to decide whether they want to broadcast this or not during the race. It’s very difficult for the drivers to have a microphone, to communicate with their team and to be in the middle of the battle. »

The British man, however, acknowledged that drivers must be careful with their language during press conferences: « Perhaps we have a duty to be mindful of our words. As I said, I think next week, we will probably collectively have a letter or something to share with everyone. »

Verstappen, for his part, remained evasive on the subject: « In the end, of course, everyone has their own opinion, but I think it’s pretty clear that… It was, as I’ve already said, a ridiculous start. »

It remains to be seen whether, during their meeting in Mexico, the drivers will be able to convince the FIA to reconsider its position on swear words.