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WRC Drivers Protest FIA’s Swearing Ban: The Controversy Behind Motorsport’s Newest Regulation

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
February 24, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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WRC Drivers Protest FIA’s Swearing Ban: The Controversy Behind Motorsport’s Newest Regulation

WRC Drivers seen during the World Rally Championship Japan in Toyota city, Japan on 20,November. 2023 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411200276 // Usage for editorial use only //

Rally drivers from the World Rally Championship (WRC) have voiced their dissent over the recent swearing ban imposed by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). They have decried the move as unrealistic, voicing concerns about potentially severe penalties for what is essentially an emotional reaction in a high-stakes environment.

The new rule, aimed at curbing the use of profanity during official broadcasts and media interactions, has come under fire from many of the sport’s leading figures. Critics argue that the rule fails to consider the inherent high-pressure nature of rally racing, and the raw emotions it evokes. Many are of the opinion that the FIA’s decision is out of sync with the realities of competitive racing, labeling it unnecessary and out of touch.

The swearing ban is part of the FIA’s wider initiative to bolster professionalism in motorsport and project a family-friendly image. Drivers are expected to monitor their language during official interviews, team radio messages, and podium celebrations.

However, the enforcement of this rule has stirred a debate. The rallying community is abuzz with questions regarding the practicality of the rule, given the intense nature of their sport, and the methods that will be used to enforce it.

Several WRC drivers have openly criticised the swearing ban, claiming it is unrealistic to expect drivers to censor their language in stressful situations. Prominent among the critics is Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville, who argues that the attempt to police language is unnecessary as emotions are a natural part of racing.

“When we come out of a car after nearly crashing into a tree at 180 km/h, sometimes a word slips out. It’s part of the sport,” Neuville stated, emphasizing that drivers are human, not robots.

Kalle Rovanperä, the reigning WRC champion, also questioned the FIA’s priorities. He suggested that instead of focusing on the use of profanity, the governing body should concentrate on aspects that directly impact the competition, such as safety improvements and enhancing competitiveness.

Uncertainty also looms over how the FIA plans to enforce the rule and the penalties for violations. Speculations about potential fines or even sporting penalties for offenders have only heightened the drivers’ frustrations. Many are concerned that the penalties could be disproportionately severe for something as trivial as a spontaneous outburst.

Critics have also pointed out an apparent double standard in motorsport, in that Formula 1, another sport governed by the FIA, has not implemented such stringent regulations regarding language. It has been observed that F1 drivers often use profanity during team radio communications and interviews without facing any consequences. This has raised questions about whether rally drivers are being unjustly singled out.

The backlash from drivers could compel the FIA to revisit its stance. While professionalism in the sport is paramount, regulating emotional reactions in such an intense environment may not be the most effective approach. Some have proposed that the FIA could establish guidelines that allow for natural expressions of emotion, but discourage excessive or offensive language in official settings.

As the 2025 WRC season kicks off, the controversy surrounding the FIA’s swearing ban doesn’t seem likely to dissipate anytime soon. WRC drivers are evidently disgruntled about their freedom of speech being curtailed in high-pressure situations. Whether the FIA will heed their concerns or maintain its stance will be a significant point of discussion as the season progresses.

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