The ongoing swearing controversy surrounding Max Verstappen has taken the Formula 1 world by storm, with Fernando Alonso now weighing in and advising his colleague to “choose his words carefully.” The issue stems from Verstappen’s outburst during a press conference, which led to the FIA fining the Dutchman and demanding he complete community service.
While many drivers have rallied behind Verstappen, including his fierce rival Lewis Hamilton, who urged Max not to comply with the penalty, Alonso offered more measured advice, emphasizing the need for political correctness. The Spaniard highlighted the responsibility that drivers have as public figures, particularly when it comes to setting a good example for young fans.
“Things like that remind me that there are a lot of people watching us,” Alonso said. “If you are a driver or someone in the public domain, you are supposed to behave decently. If you want to say something that is not correct, you have to contain yourself and be politically correct.”
Alonso stressed that Verstappen should be mindful of how he expresses his frustrations or opinions, urging him to avoid offensive language and choose a more careful approach. The Aston Martin driver underlined the importance of the drivers’ image and how public outbursts can impact not just their personal brand but also the overall legacy of the sport.
“We have a responsibility to our fans, and those people believe in you,” Alonso added, emphasizing the role drivers play in influencing their audience. Negative language or frustration-fueled rants, he said, could tarnish not just a driver’s reputation but also leave a lasting negative impact on Formula 1’s image.
Although many drivers, including Alonso, have criticized the FIA’s response as overly harsh, the Spaniard does not excuse Verstappen’s behavior, agreeing that political correctness is crucial. The debate around appropriate language in Formula 1 has ignited discussions within the sport about how far drivers should go to maintain professionalism, and whether the FIA should adapt its approach in handling such situations.
With Verstappen’s punishment still standing, the discussion is set to continue at the upcoming race in Austin, as F1 drivers plan to talk further with the FIA about the issue.
