A ‘fair discussion’ has been staged between Formula 1 drivers and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in an attempt to bring clarity to the contentious issue of the use of profanity during Grand Prix weekends. This revelation was brought to light by the Haas F1 team driver, Esteban Ocon.
The controversy was sparked off last year when Max Verstappen, the Red Bull Racing driver, was dealt a community service order for using explicit language during the Singapore Grand Prix. This incident led to a fiery back-and-forth between the drivers, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA).
Adding to the pressure on the FIA, the World Rally Championship drivers formed their own union, the World Rally Drivers’ Alliance (WoRDA), following a similar incident in their arena. The drivers’ briefing before the Australian Grand Prix saw Garry Connelly, acting as a chairman for the stewards, explain the guidelines and their interpretation.
The FIA seems to have reached a compromise, allowing drivers to use profanity over the radio as long as it’s not directed at fellow competitors or race officials. However, using explicit language during press conferences or media interviews will be viewed as a breach of regulations and reported to the stewards.
Ocon expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, stating that the FIA’s aim is not to punish drivers without reason. He acknowledged the drivers’ responsibility to behave professionally since they are role models for the younger generation and are frequently on live television.
Carlos Sainz, a Williams driver and recently appointed director of the GPDA, supported Ocon’s sentiments. He praised the clarity of the guidelines and expressed his appreciation for the common sense displayed in handling the situation.
Despite the seeming resolution in Formula 1, the World Rally Championship drivers continue to express dissatisfaction, choosing to either not answer questions in media events or respond in their native language.
Following Verstappen’s penalty, Charles Leclerc was fined $10,000 for using explicit language at a press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The FIA president’s response to the drivers’ conduct was to compare them to “rappers,” a comment which drew public criticism from the GPDA.
The FIA’s stricter stance on explicit language extended to other competitions, resulting in World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux receiving a hefty fine for using profanity at the Rally Sweden. The World Rally Drivers’ Association (WoRDA) was formed in response, and its members have been advocating for “positive changes” in the rules.
As Formula 1 drivers appear to have reached a temporary resolution, the spotlight now shifts to the Safari Rally Kenya this weekend to see whether the World Rally Championship drivers will maintain their stance.
