As the 2025 Formula 1 season heats up, Haas rookie Oliver Bearman is already feeling the weight of the FIA’s new crackdown on driver misconduct, particularly the controversial ban on swearing. The young British driver, preparing for his debut season with Ferrari-powered Haas, has made it clear that he “can’t afford” to slip up in a sport where language now carries a hefty price tag.
The FIA’s recent revisions to stewards’ guidelines have sent shockwaves through the paddock, with drivers now facing fines, points deductions, and even race bans for foul language. The punishment scale is steep: €10,000 for a first offence, escalating to €30,000, a one-month suspension, and a World Championship points deduction for a third violation. This new rule comes on the heels of a dramatic standoff between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and the FIA at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen was penalized for swearing in a press conference.
Bearman, aware of the financial burden such fines could impose, quipped: “I certainly can’t afford to swear, so that’s a good start!” While his comment was light-hearted, the reality of the situation is far from a joke. Bearman acknowledged that the swearing ban has been a hot topic in the off-season, and there is ongoing dialogue between the drivers’ union, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), and the FIA to strike a balance that works for everyone involved. “We’re working hard to figure a few things out and we’re getting there,” Bearman added, referencing the negotiations on how to manage this new rule moving forward.
FIA’s Strong Stance: A Necessary Evil or Overreach?
The FIA’s move to enforce stricter control over driver behavior comes at a time when Formula 1 is under increasing scrutiny from fans, sponsors, and the broader sporting world. Mercedes driver George Russell, a director of the GPDA, defended the right of drivers to express themselves but also recognized the importance of professionalism, especially in public settings. However, Russell did point out a key issue for non-native English speakers: “The first thing you get taught are the swear words,” he joked, referencing his own experience learning Italian swear words from his new teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Despite the humor, Russell’s comment underscores a real challenge for drivers who may not have full control over their language in high-pressure situations. For many, swearing is an outlet for frustration—something that is commonplace in the intense, high-stakes environment of Formula 1.
The Impact on Team Culture: Navigating the New Rules
The new rule also raises questions about the sport’s emotional intensity. Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer spoke out in support of preserving the emotions that define F1 but emphasized that drivers must learn to curb their language in public forums. “We want to keep those emotions alive,” Bayer said, “but at the same time, we want to make sure that we don’t cross the line into excessive profanity.”
Williams boss James Vowles weighed in, describing the FIA’s clampdown as “somewhat sensible,” especially in situations where drivers are seen as role models. The tension between maintaining the raw emotion of F1 and the need for professionalism has sparked a larger conversation within the paddock.
Finding Balance: A Work in Progress
Team principals, including Laurent Mekies of Racing Bulls, have played down fears that driver bans or penalties for swearing will negatively impact teams’ performance in the Constructors’ Championship. “We’re trying to find the right balance between keeping the drivers’ emotions intact and maintaining our role as role models,” Mekies explained. “At the end of the day, we will find a reasonable solution to this issue.”
As the season progresses, it’s clear that the FIA’s swearing ban will be one of the most talked-about topics, with drivers, teams, and the governing body all working to find a resolution. For rookies like Bearman, navigating these new regulations will be just as critical as mastering the technical aspects of racing.
Conclusion: A Fine Line Between Passion and Professionalism
As Formula 1 pushes towards greater professionalism, the line between personal expression and public responsibility becomes increasingly blurred. While the FIA’s new swearing ban is an attempt to maintain decorum, the sport’s raw emotion is one of the reasons fans flock to see the action. How F1 finds a balance between these two elements will shape the future of the sport—one fine line at a time.