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Toto Wolff Backs FIA President’s Call for Swearing Crackdown After Verstappen’s Controversial Comments

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
December 6, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Toto Wolff Backs FIA President’s Call for Swearing Crackdown After Verstappen’s Controversial Comments

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2024 Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff ahead of the grand prix REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has joined FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in calling for Formula 1 drivers to clean up their language, citing their influence on young fans. The debate reignited after George Russell revealed inflammatory remarks made by Max Verstappen following the latter’s grid penalty at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Verstappen’s alleged use of profanities, including a threat to “put [Russell] on his effing head,” has drawn criticism not only from Russell but also from motorsport’s top officials and team principals. This comes as Verstappen had previously been reprimanded for swearing during a Singapore press conference, which resulted in a penalty requiring him to carry out “public interest” work.


Russell: “This Is Not Role Model Behavior”

Russell, speaking out after Verstappen’s comments, underlined the responsibility F1 drivers have as public figures and role models, particularly for younger fans.

“I’ve got an eight-year-old nephew who’s just started go-karting, who watches all of my races, watches TikTok, watches YouTube,” Russell explained. “For a world champion to say he’s going to crash into someone and put them on their effing head, that’s not the sort of role model we should be.”


Wolff Supports Tougher Penalties

Toto Wolff echoed Russell’s concerns, recounting his own experiences with young fans and their impressionable nature.

“I have a similar seven-year-old that go-karts and watches everything,” Wolff said. “It’s the first time, a few months ago, he said, ‘What the…’ and I asked where he heard it. He said, ‘From the drivers.’”

The Mercedes chief agreed with FIA President Ben Sulayem, who had earlier likened drivers to rappers due to their frequent use of explicit language and urged them to recognize their roles as influential public figures.

“I have my conflicts with Mohammed [Ben Sulayem], and I disagree with many of the other things he’s come up with. But on this one, I agree. It’s pretty rude, and I’d be happy to see stricter sanctions,” Wolff added.


Ben Sulayem’s Push for Professionalism

Ben Sulayem, who has emphasized the importance of drivers maintaining a professional image, argued that F1’s growing popularity among younger audiences requires a higher standard of behavior.

“Drivers are role models, and they need to understand the impact they have. This is not just about racing; it’s about setting an example,” he said.


The Bigger Debate: Sportsmanship and Accountability

The controversy is more than just about swearing—it reflects a larger issue of sportsmanship and conduct among F1’s elite. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has faced criticism throughout the season for his fiery on-track and off-track demeanor, while his relationship with rivals like Russell continues to fray.

As F1 enters its final race in Abu Dhabi, the debate over professional conduct is unlikely to subside, especially with Wolff and Russell pushing for a cleaner image for the sport.

With the sport’s viewership reaching younger, impressionable fans more than ever, the pressure is mounting on drivers to be not just champions on the track, but role models off it.

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