Hülkenberg Questions FIA’s Language Restrictions
The German driver criticizes the new FIA decision which aims to ban swearing in F1. For him, this measure is unnecessary and could stifle the drivers' spontaneity.
Nico Hülkenberg doesn’t beat around the bush: he doesn’t understand these new rules. And he’s not the only one! The FIA has decided to penalize drivers more severely for their inappropriate language, banning swearing and threatening fines, point deductions, and even suspensions.
A turning point that is not welcomed in the paddock. « I am a bit surprised and, honestly, I do not quite understand why we need this rule, why it was necessary », stated Hülkenberg to the media during testing in Bahrain. The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had already expressed his fed-up attitude with insults in single-seater championships. But with this decision, he has stirred up a controversy that is making a big noise in F1.
Absurd sanctions?
The drivers are now under increased scrutiny. Adrien Fourmaux, a WRC driver, has already borne the brunt of it, while Dan Ticktum in Formula E slipped through the cracks… all because he swore on his team’s radio and not in front of the media. The wording of this rule is very broad, notes Hülkenberg. Even in testing, the line is blurry: Max Verstappen and George Russell let slip a few choice words during pre-season tests. If they had been in the middle of a race, they would have risked penalties. This double standard is troubling.
Hülkenberg raises a real issue: the spontaneity of drivers is under threat. And if fans love F1, it’s also for its moments of authenticity. In the past, I have never heard anyone, fans or not, complain about the way Formula 1 drivers communicate or say that we are bad role models, says the German driver.
Emotions are part of sports, especially in F1, where adrenaline explodes after a blistering lap. Hülkenberg emphasizes a major difference with other disciplines: If you compare with other sports, there are hardly any sports where all participating athletes present themselves in front of 15 TV cameras and print journalists immediately after the competition. You are still full of adrenaline, and there is nothing inhuman about emotions being at their peak in the heat of the moment and using a word you wouldn’t normally use.
Who will dare to challenge the FIA?
With these new rules, a driver who criticizes the FIA can also be sanctioned. A situation that worries many, but not Hülkenberg: « I am curious to see how the FIA intends to implement this rule, even if someone criticizes it. » But deep down, he knows he doesn’t risk much: « I have never been someone who qualified for this rule when I look at my career. I am not known for that. »
In the meantime, this decision continues to divide. It remains to be seen whether the drivers will comply with these new directives… or if someone will dare to defy them live.
