Max Verstappen has been fined for using the word “fuck” during a press conference.Image: trapezoid
Formula 1's Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) has defended swearing on Instagram and attacked the president of World Automobile Federation. She also wanted to know about fines.
Soraya Sägesser / ch media
“F***,” a driver shouted over the radio after a dangerous overtaking maneuver in Formula One. Stars can beep audibly on televisions and have been known to hide swear words. While swearing always provides some entertainment for fans, it is a major thorn in the side of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Emirati and FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem is one of those who actively opposes swearing. He recently told trade magazine Autosport: “We have to differentiate between our sports music and our rap music. We're not rappers. How many times a minute do they say bad words? That's not us. That's what they are and that's who we are.” At one point At the meeting, drivers were also asked to use less swear words in the future.
Mohammed bin Sulayem wants F1 drivers to stop swearing.Image: trapezoid
Fine for one word mistake €10,000
But not everyone follows Sulayem's rules. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen has long had problems with his car. He was asked at his official press conference in mid-September before the Singapore Grand Prix why he was slower than team-mate Sergio Perez in the race in Baku. At first he angrily said he didn't know and pointed out another setting. After a while, it read: “I knew this car was doomed.” In plain English: the car was broken.
The FIA didn't like this at all and asked him to do community service. They also fined the Red Bull driver 10,000 euros. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc also had an expletive coming out of his mouth during a press conference when he spoke about a driver who braked during a race in Mexico.
Charles Leclerc has also been fined.Image: trapezoid
He immediately apologized and joked “I don't want to be there with Max” in reference to Verstappen's charity work. But the FIA didn't think it was that funny. Leclerc must pay a fine of 5,000 euros and be placed on probation, as well as pay a further fine of 5,000 euros within the next 12 months.
Drivers urge president to reconsider his tone
This was definitely the last straw. Recently, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), the Formula One drivers' association chaired by Mercedes driver George Russell, opened an Instagram account. A statement was issued there these days.
There is a difference between intentionally insulting someone and casual swearing, they wrote. When it comes to casual use of swear words, the GPDA cited two current examples from Verstappen and Leclerc: “Inanimate objects like F1 cars or descriptions of driving situations.”
The Drivers' Association continued: “We call on the FIA President to also reconsider his tone and language when speaking to or about our member drivers, whether in public forums or elsewhere.” Additionally, members are Be an adult. “You don't need the media to coach you on small things like wearing jewelry and wearing underwear.”
George Russell is president of the Drivers' Association.Image: trapezoid
The GPDA has also repeatedly said that fines for riders are inappropriate for the sport. In addition, they asked the FIA president three years ago to share details and strategies on how the FIA fines will be distributed and how the funds will be used. So far, this doesn't appear to have become transparent.
The fact that the letter (i.e. the account) is not fake shows that all Formula 1 drivers follow the account. Additionally, current Sauber driver Valtteri Bottas also shared the post on his Instagram Story. The FIA has yet to respond to the statement. (aargauerzeitung.ch)
Multiple Formula One world champion
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Multiple Formula One world champion
Lewis Hamilton: 7-time World Champion (2008 with McLaren, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 with Mercedes).
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