Drivers learn of new FIA sanctions on swearing via the media
F1 drivers learned about the FIA's new misconduct rules via the media, says GPDA president.
The president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), Alex Wurz, revealed that F1 drivers found out about the FIA’s new rules on misconduct through the media, without having been consulted beforehand.
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Harsher penalties for cursing and criticism
Earlier this month, it was revealed that drivers could face penalties or even race bans if they repeatedly use profanity or criticize the FIA.
These new sanctions are included in the latest version of the International Sporting Code. They follow the sanction imposed on the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, who will have to perform community service at the end of 2024 after using a swear word during an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last year.
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has repeatedly expressed his desire to ban F1 drivers from swearing.
No consultation with the pilots
However, according to Alex Wurz, former F1 driver and president of the GPDA, the drivers were not consulted before the announcement of these new rules.
« There was no consultation, said the Austrian. « We learned about this through the media. There is certainly room for improvement for the FIA and the GPDA to work together on these issues. »
He compared the situation to that of the NFL in the United States, where players benefit from genuine union representation and participate in the decision-making process.
« In this case, we are not involved. I don’t know if the FIA drivers’ commission has been consulted. Let’s just hope that not too many fines will be collected », he explains.
No meeting between the drivers yet
Alex Wurz added that the GPDA has not yet had the opportunity to meet to discuss these new rules.
« We have not yet managed to meet. The drivers are in a very busy period, and I don’t want to add more pressure on them. »
« It’s in the regulations, it’s not something we can change immediately. Of course, we will discuss it and see what our response will be. »
Before concluding: « The best solution is not to swear. It’s as simple as that. »
