Written by Maria Fashchevskaya, Edited by Julia Bissessar
Following the swearing saga at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA opted to implement harsher guidelines and fines on drivers. Speaking at the press conference before the livery launches in London, the reigning F1 World Champion and other drivers spoke their minds on the new rules.
After the misconduct placed on Max Verstappen after he swore in an interview at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA announced new swearing guidelines at the start of this year.
As it is said in the new version of the FIA's International Sporting Code for 2025, drivers could be punished for “any words, deeds, or writing that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally interest of motorsport on the values defender by the FIA”.
The new regulations saw punishments like fines ranging from €40,000 to €190,000 implemented on drivers, as well as deducted championship points, race bans and possible suspension lasting months.
Max Verstappen was punished for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix last season, serving his community service hours doing charity work in Rwanda before the Prize Ceremony in December. Speaking before the livery launches at the O2-Arena in London, the current World Champion says that he understands they cannot always swear everywhere they go.
“I think we all understand that as racing drivers, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment or when you get interviewed, when you’re in your car or whatever, you’ve just had an adrenaline rush or whatever, sometimes things slip out a little bit.
"I think we all grew up, I mean probably most people grew up, even at school or playing football or sports in general, it happens that you use a swear word and I think we shouldn't take it so seriously…”
"I prefer that we actually focus on other topics – to try and improve safety, try and improve the overall performance of Formula 1 cars – instead of actually having to focus on all these kinds of things. It's a bit unnecessary, I think."
George Russell shared Verstappen’s thoughts on the new rules, however, agreed that drivers should not swear openly, to some extent: “As an individual, it’s going quite far with everything. As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this [press conference].”
“But ultimately, especially for the guys where English isn’t their first language, the first thing you get taught are the swear words.”
“All the Italian words [Kimi Antonelli is] teaching me, are swear words, so I don’t really know to be honest.” As the head of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), Russell could play a huge role on this matter in the future.
At the press conference at the O2 Arena, rookie Oliver Bearman shared his thoughts, too. “I certainly can’t afford to swear, so that’s a good start!”, the Brit confessed.
“But, of course, it is a big topic of the off-season, this new rule that’s come into play and I’m sure we’re going to find a way to make all parties happy and figure something out.”
With the high-energy nature of the sport, it remains to be seen whether fines or severe penalties will be tossed around in the upcoming season.
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