The use of swear words has become expensive in Formula 1. The pilots don’t think this is correct and are now complaining publicly. But they are also concerned with other topics. In focus: FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem.
The dispute between the Formula 1 drivers and the world automobile association FIA threatens to escalate. After Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was recently sentenced to a fine of 5,000 euros plus a further 5,000 euros on probation for using a swear word in the press conference after the Mexican Grand Prix, the drivers are defending themselves against this on behalf of the drivers’ union similar sanctions.
“There is a difference between swearing intended to offend others and more casual swearing, which one might use to describe, for example, bad weather or an inanimate object such as an F1 car or a driving situation,” reads one Post on Instagram.
Harsh criticism of the Fia
Mohammed bin Sulayem, the President of the FIA, is directly addressed and literally admonished in the public statement. “We call on the Fia President to also reconsider his own tone and language when speaking to or about our drivers. “Our members are adults who do not need to be told by the media about things as trivial as wearing jewelry and underwear,” it said.
In the past, the FIA race management repeatedly intervened in these issues, which caused great dissatisfaction. For example, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel wore his underpants over his racing suit in Miami in 2022 as an expression of protest. Lewis Hamilton was targeted by the FIA for wearing his nose jewelry during races.
The pilots are also asking for more transparency to know where the fines are going. They hope that by going public they will achieve constructive cooperation in order to resolve the disputes.
dpa/rc
