The FIA has been clamping down on F1 drivers using bad language. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said he wanted less swearing during the F1 weekend on the team radio and press conferences. Fans of all ages watch the races and the drivers should be role models for the younger fans who look up to them.
The FIA has kept its word and punished drivers for using profanity on air. They hope this will encourage drivers to watch what they say. Mohammed Ben Sulayem has found a surprising ally to back up his policy.
Toto Wolff backs FIA to ban swearing by drivers
Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff has backed the move by the FIA to ban swearing. Despite disagreeing with many of the policies from Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the Austrian believes this is the right step forward. Wolff believes that swearing drivers shows off the wrong image to youngsters.
He said: “I disagree with many of the other things that he [Ben Sulayem] came up with. On that one I think if you translate ‘f**k’ into your own language or my language, it is pretty rude. I would never say that on the radio. “
“I have a seven-year-old that go-karts and that watches everything. It is the first time, a few months ago, that he said, ‘What the f**k’, and I said ‘Where did you hear that from?’ He said from the drivers.”
The drivers need to remember the wider audience when speaking. However, in the heat of the moment while on track, it is difficult to keep emotions in check. The clampdown if policed properly could eradicate swearing by drivers but it could take some time. However, the drivers have pushed back.
Which drivers have been punished for swearing?
The highest-profile driver to be punished for swearing is four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The FIA revealed the clampdown on swearing just before the Singapore Grand Prix. During the press conference in Singapore, the Dutchman swore when describing Red Bull’s performance in Azerbaijan.
⚠️ | Max Verstappen has hinted that his punishment for swearing during an FIA press conference on Thursday ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix could result in an early retirement from F1.
Verstappen was asked whether the FIA punishing him for swearing could trigger an early… pic.twitter.com/YsiI2zMs54
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 22, 2024
He was punished by having to complete a day’s community service which he completed in Rwanda. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was also fined for using profanity during the post-race press conference at the Mexico GP. These are two big names in the sport, and sends a message that the FIA will not tolerate bad language, regardless of who you are.
