Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has urged the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to exercise “a bit of common sense” in regard to driver misconduct penalties, specifically those related to swearing. He argues that the governing body should concentrate more on the critical aspects of the sport such as safety and performance.
Last month, the FIA updated the International Sporting Code, introducing a series of penalties for driver misconduct, including swearing. The punishment structure is cumulative, with each offense leading to an escalating fine that could amount to more than $120,000, a one-month suspension, and championship points deduction for a third-time offender.
Verstappen found himself in the center of this controversy last year when he was mandated to carry out public service work after using inappropriate language to describe his car’s performance during an FIA press conference. The Dutch racer believes the attention given to this matter is overstated.
“It’s a lot of money,” acknowledges Verstappen. He adds, “I think it’s not necessary to be like that with the rules. You need to use a bit of common sense.” He maintains that the focus should be shifted towards enhancing safety measures and improving the performance of Formula 1 vehicles.
The 24-year-old Red Bull driver’s sentiments are echoed by many others in the circuit. Fans demonstrated their displeasure at the FIA’s stringent measures by booing its logo during the F1 75 live event.
Fellow driver, Oscar Piastri, shares a similar viewpoint, questioning the necessity of hefty monetary fines. He recognizes the importance of maintaining decorum but also understands that drivers may occasionally use strong language when caught in the heat of the moment.
Yuki Tsunoda, known for his colourful language on team radio, feels this restriction hinders drivers from showcasing their individual personalities. He quips, “Maybe I will swear more than before [away from F1] because I can’t swear now in racing, so I’ll try to not fudge up and not get fined!”
In a silver lining for Tsunoda and other drivers, team radio communications seem to be exempt from this rule. Peter Bayer, RB CEO, revealed this consensus following an F1 Commission meeting. This decision came in the wake of Dan Ticktum’s profanity-filled team radio during the Jeddah E-Prix, which went unpunished.
The new regulations have already seen their first casualty. World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux was slapped with a €30,000 ($31,400) fine for swearing during a live television broadcast at the final stage of Rally Sweden. This incident marked the FIA’s first enforcement of its updated code.
