Nico Hulkenberg challenges the FIA’s latest penalty guidelines, questioning their necessity and impact on drivers’ emotions and freedom of expression.
Nico Hulkenberg questioned why the FIA felt the need to introduce highly controversial new guidelines—a framework for future steward sanctions—designed to silence drivers in several ways.
The governing body has banned swearing, among other things, in the championships it oversees. However, the decision to penalize drivers with fines, suspensions, or even championship point deductions has reignited tensions.
For Hulkenberg, this is an unnecessary development. The German is also interested in seeing what will happen if a driver criticizes the new rules, especially since speaking out against the FIA is now a punishable offense listed in the updates to its International Sporting Code (ISC).
“I’m a bit surprised and honestly, I don’t really understand why we need this rule, why it was necessary,” said the Sauber driver.
“I’m curious to see how the FIA intends to enforce this rule, even if someone criticizes it. The way it is worded is very broad.”
There are concerns that the new rules will strip away authenticity and prevent drivers from showing the passion fans love, even though, in principle, expletives during races would not be sanctioned (but would still be censored by the FOM).
“In the past, I’ve never heard anyone—fans or outsiders—complain about how Formula 1 drivers communicate or that we are bad role models,” added Hulkenberg.
“On the contrary, I think people enjoy seeing athletes’ emotions and that they should also be able to simply say what they think and feel.”
The German points out that, in many ways, swearing during interviews is a problem F1 has created for itself, given the immediate media access to drivers.
“Formula 1 is also somewhat unique—compared to other sports, there is hardly any discipline where all participating athletes appear before 15 TV cameras and print journalists immediately after the competition.”
“We are still full of adrenaline, and there is nothing unnatural about getting caught up in the moment and using a word one wouldn’t normally say.”
Nevertheless, Hulkenberg is not worried about being penalized himself.
“I have never been known for swearing or using strong language, so it should be fine.”
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FIA Sanctions Threaten F1 Drivers’ Freedom of Speech FIA Sanctions Threaten F1 Drivers’ Freedom of Speech
