F1 drivers breathe easier after FIA softens its stance on mid-race swearing, favouring fairness, context, and common sense.
A heated debate over swearing in Formula 1 has cooled off – thanks to what drivers are calling a “common sense” approach from the FIA.
Speaking ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz welcomed what appears to be a softening of the FIA’s controversial stance on profanity. The new understanding? Swearing over team radio during the heat of racing won’t lead to penalties. The only time drivers will risk sanctions is if the language is used outside the car – for example, during interviews or official press events.
“Garry Connelly was very helpful in explaining how the FIA plans to handle this,” said Sainz, who recently stepped up as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). “This time, common sense prevailed. Everything is much clearer now, and hopefully we can move forward.”
Last season, Max Verstappen was punished for calling his car “fucked” during an FIA press conference – a moment that earned him community service work in Rwanda. Now, Verstappen isn’t eager to revisit the topic. “I’m not going to say anything. I want to stay calm. People expect me to be the first to swear again, but I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Esteban Ocon echoed the sentiment, saying the briefing with FIA officials was open and constructive. “Honestly, the FIA isn’t here to punish us without reason. In the middle of a race, emotions run high. If something slips out between us and the engineers, that’s understandable. But of course, insulting someone directly – that’s different.”
He added, “We’re on air constantly. We need to set a good example for the younger generation.”
Drivers had been particularly worried after Melbourne, where the strict enforcement created tension. But according to Ocon and others, things are finally back on track.
Another key issue discussed was the fairness of fines. While a €40,000 penalty might not faze a top driver, it could seriously impact rookies or those from less privileged backgrounds. The proposed solution: tailor the sanctions. That means a seasoned driver swearing in perfect English might face a fine, while a younger driver using English as a second language could be offered education instead.
Pierre Gasly still believes the fines are “a bit harsh” and “unnecessary,” but he appreciated the clarity brought by the meeting. He also stressed the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic differences in a global sport.
“We’re professionals. We want to be respectful, we want to be role models – that makes sense. But it’s not always easy. I’m French, and while I speak English, it’s not my first language. I can relate to Yuki (Tsunoda). When we were teammates, I was sometimes offended by things he said, but I eventually understood – it wasn’t intentional. He just lacked the words.”
“It’s important to realize that not everything said in a second language reflects what someone really means.”
Interestingly, this topic has spilled over into the WRC (World Rally Championship), where drivers have taken a more confrontational stance. Some have refused to speak in interviews unless it’s in their native language, protesting the FIA’s disciplinary approach.
But in F1, the issue seems to have found a workable middle ground – for now.
“I’m not sure what kind of answers the rally drivers got,” Sainz added. “Probably very different ones, which is why they’re unhappy. But in Formula 1, things are now much clearer and much fairer.”
George Russell, fellow GPDA director, agreed. “We finally have more clarity, which is all we’ve ever asked for.”
However, he noted that the progress came largely thanks to individual FIA stewards – not necessarily the top leadership. That subtle jab could point to ongoing tension with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s broader approach.
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F1 Drivers Win Leeway as FIA Eases Swearing Crackdown
F1 Drivers Win Leeway as FIA Eases Swearing Crackdown
