Formula 1 drivers expressed relief after the International Automobile Federation (FIA) clarified its stance on penalizing swearing during races. The initial uproar resulted from a perceived lack of consultation and the severity of the fines suggested in the updated FIA’s International Sporting Code. The drivers’ concerns were further fueled by the FIA’s recent controversial implementations, spearheaded by its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The crux of the issue stemmed from the FIA’s stance on penalizing drivers’ profanity-laden outbursts during races. The fear of arbitrary punishment was palpable, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents involving Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. The issue was even more pronounced in the World Rally Championship, where Hyundai WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux was slapped with a $30,000 fine for swearing in a stage-end interview.
The drivers’ concerns were extensively discussed at a briefing held on the eve of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Addressing the drivers, Garry Connelly, the chairman of stewards, shed light on the FIA’s intentions. Carlos Sainz, the new Grand Prix Drivers Association director, appreciated the clarification, stating, “I think Gary was incredibly helpful in trying to explain to us the way the FIA was going to approach the situation.”
Connelly elucidated that the enforcement would primarily focus on the context of swearing. In-car radio communications, often heated in the heat of the moment, would not attract penalties unless the language used was abusive towards officials or was discriminatory in nature. However, the FIA expects drivers to exhibit more self-control when out of their cars, especially during parc ferme interviews and FIA press conferences, which have a global reach.
The new approach was perceived by some as a retreat from the FIA’s initial zero-tolerance policy, a move welcomed by many drivers. Still, the FIA maintains that its intentions were always to enforce the existing regulations and that the guidelines were never meant to be draconian.
Esteban Ocon, one of the drivers, acknowledged the fairness and openness of the discussion. He emphasized the importance of professional conduct given their role as models for the younger generation. The clarification in Melbourne, he said, had eased the initial fear among drivers.
The revised guidelines outline that “misconduct,” including swearing, could carry hefty penalties. A first offence could result in a fine of €40,000, while subsequent offences within a two-year period would attract progressively higher fines, along with a suspended one-month suspension or an actual one-month suspension and reduction of championship points.
The severity of penalties led to concerns among drivers, especially those just beginning their careers. However, the FIA indicated that the punishments would be discretionary, taking into account factors such as the driver’s experience level and language proficiency.
Pierre Gasly, while acknowledging the need for professionalism, voiced concerns about the fines, calling them “harsh.” He pointed out the linguistic challenges faced by non-English speaking drivers, often leading to misunderstandings.
While the swearing saga seems to be reaching a compromise in Formula 1, it’s still a contentious issue in the World Rally Championship. However, GPDA director George Russell was optimistic, saying that the drivers now had “more clarity” than before, which was all they had asked for. However, he hinted at possible ongoing issues with the approach taken by FIA president Ben Sulayem.