AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Drivers Fire Back at FIA’s Swearing Crackdown, Call for Respect and Transparency

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
November 7, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Ben Sulayem Claims ‘Hostilities Are Over’ as FIA and FOM Bury the Hatchet

May 8, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dan Marino and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem applaud during the award ceremony following the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) has issued a fiery statement addressing FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s recent clampdown on drivers swearing over the radio. The dispute began after Ben Sulayem urged Formula One Management (FOM) to reduce airplay of driver expletives, controversially stating, “we’re not rappers,” in a comparison that quickly fueled backlash.

This friction escalated when F1 stars Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc faced sanctions for language deemed inappropriate, with Verstappen ordered to perform community service and Leclerc fined post-race in Mexico City. Mercedes’ George Russell, warning the FIA of mounting frustrations, led the charge to release a formal GPDA statement in response.

The GPDA’s letter took a strong stance, urging Ben Sulayem to reconsider his own tone when addressing drivers, stating, “there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or an inanimate object like a Formula 1 car.” The drivers emphasized that such communication is natural, expressing disappointment at what they see as overzealous restrictions on their in-the-moment expressions.

In the letter, the GPDA emphasized the high stakes of racing and that “our members are adults…they do not need to be given instructions via the media about matters as trivial as wearing jewelry and underpants.” The GPDA argued that such messaging detracts from the spirit of F1 and casts an unnecessarily restrictive shadow over the sport’s larger narrative.

Financial transparency also took center stage, with the GPDA challenging the FIA on the fines imposed on drivers, many of whom have questioned where these penalties end up. For the past three years, the GPDA claims it has asked the FIA to clarify how and where these funds are allocated, expressing concern that the fines give the sport an overly punitive image. “We once again request that the FIA President provides financial transparency,” the letter read, underscoring the drivers’ demand for accountability.

The GPDA called for a collaborative approach moving forward, asserting that, “All stakeholders (FIA, F1, the Teams, and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and where the money is spent for the benefit of our Sport.” As the world’s premier motorsport platform, the drivers emphasized that their sport deserves unified, respectful governance.

While this issue continues to simmer, the GPDA’s letter underlines a crucial turning point in the dynamic between the drivers and the FIA. As the statement concludes, “We are playing our part,” signaling that drivers are ready to work with the FIA, but on terms that recognize their professionalism, maturity, and dedication to the sport they love.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Alex Bowman blasts Bubba Wallace in fiery NASCAR clash: “Ran me into the fence”
Motorsports

Alex Bowman blasts Bubba Wallace in fiery NASCAR clash: “Ran me into the fence”

Daniel Bartel

by David Castro
July 7, 2025
Explosive Confrontation: Joey Logano Confronts Ross Chastain After Chaotic Chicago Race
Motorsports

Explosive Confrontation: Joey Logano Confronts Ross Chastain After Chaotic Chicago Race

In a thrilling showdown at the chaotic Chicago street race, NASCAR fans witnessed a dramatic confrontation between Joey Logano and...

by Simon Monroy
July 7, 2025
Katherine Legge Shatters NASCAR Glass Ceiling with Historic Top-20 Finish – Danica Patrick Milestone
Motorsports

Katherine Legge Shatters NASCAR Glass Ceiling with Historic Top-20 Finish – Danica Patrick Milestone

Daniel Bartel

by Carl Harrison
July 7, 2025
Denny Hamlin’s Fierce Stand Against NASCAR’s $320B Loss: Partners’ Playground in Peril
Motorsports

Denny Hamlin’s Fierce Stand Against NASCAR’s $320B Loss: Partners’ Playground in Peril

Denny Hamlin Faces Uncertainty as NASCAR Considers Abandoning $320 Billion Worth Partner Haven In the high-octane world of NASCAR, Denny...

by Miguel Cunha
July 6, 2025

Recent News

Nissan suspende operações em algumas fábricas do Japão

“Nissan can avoid factory closure in Japan with agreement with Foxconn.”

July 7, 2025
Alex Bowman blasts Bubba Wallace in fiery NASCAR clash: “Ran me into the fence”

Alex Bowman blasts Bubba Wallace in fiery NASCAR clash: “Ran me into the fence”

July 7, 2025
Explosive Confrontation: Joey Logano Confronts Ross Chastain After Chaotic Chicago Race

Explosive Confrontation: Joey Logano Confronts Ross Chastain After Chaotic Chicago Race

July 7, 2025
Katherine Legge Shatters NASCAR Glass Ceiling with Historic Top-20 Finish – Danica Patrick Milestone

Katherine Legge Shatters NASCAR Glass Ceiling with Historic Top-20 Finish – Danica Patrick Milestone

July 7, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks