During intense races, drivers push their limits, driven by fierce passion and the thrill of competition. The adrenaline rush often leads to outbursts, with drivers expressing frustration through heated language during high-stakes moments. However, since race weekends attract a young audience, using explicit language raises concerns about its appropriateness. While fans are split on this issue, FIA President Ben Sulayem has stated that excessive use of strong language does not fit the sport.
This is why Max Verstappen was punished with a community-service-style punishment for using explicit language during the Singapore GP press conference. Later, the governing body scrutinized Charles Leclerc for using slurs in a media interaction. The F1 drivers have now united against FIA, asking the authorities to treat them like adults.
GPDA Criticizes FIA President Over “Tone And Language” Issue
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) recently voiced concerns about FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s approach to addressing driver conduct, particularly his choice of tone and language. In an open letter, the GPDA distinguished between swearing meant to insult others and casual expressions of frustration, like using strong language to describe poor weather, challenging car issues, or tricky driving situations.
The GPDA urged Ben Sulayem to reflect on his tone when discussing drivers, whether in public or private settings, suggesting a more respectful approach would be appreciated. Additionally, they pointed out that their members are adults who do not need media-driven guidelines on personal choices, such as wearing jewelry or undergarments. This response underscores the drivers’ desire for a more respectful and less restrictive approach from the FIA.
This issue came to a head in Singapore when FIA stewards directed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to perform public interest work after he used a curse word to describe his car in a press conference. Drivers expressed frustration with Ben Sulayem’s stance, as any explicit language heard over team radios is censored before reaching the audience. They also believe that these raw moments, including unfiltered language, offer fans a more authentic view of drivers’ personalities under pressure, adding depth to the viewing experience.
F1 Drivers Raise Concern Over Unnecasry Fines
The GPDA’s letter also voiced dissatisfaction over the FIA’s use of fines as disciplinary measures for drivers. The association argued that such financial penalties are inappropriate within the context of Formula 1 and cast a negative image of the sport. The letter, signed by the GPDA’s directors and chairman on behalf of the drivers, called for greater transparency, requesting a clear explanation from the FIA on how these fines are allocated and where the funds are ultimately spent.
For the past three years, the GPDA has repeatedly urged FIA leadership to disclose the distribution of fine-related funds. They emphasized the need for open communication and collaboration among all parties involved—FIA, Formula 1 management, teams, and the GPDA—to ensure that any fines collected genuinely contribute to the sport’s advancement.
