Lawson Backs FIA on Swearing: "Our Job to Control It"

Liam Lawson stands by the FIA’s stance on controlling driver language outside the cockpit, emphasizing the responsibility of maintaining a professional image.

The FIA is currently under fire for its rules on swearing by drivers and the sanctions imposed by the federation and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, in case of infractions. Williams F1 team principal James Vowles remains committed to believing in the federation.

“I continue to trust the FIA,” Vowles stated. “What I focus on more is whether we have a set of regulations that are applied to the right standards. Do we have a set of 2026 regulations that fit what we are producing? And the fundamental answer to all of that is yes.”

“We are looking at certain friction points regarding whether drivers should or should not speak in this manner. My view on this is quite clear: when you are in a car under pressure, I think it is natural to expect any human being to react that way because you are pushing your life to the extreme.”

“Beyond that, I also believe we have a responsibility to the world, and I hope I don’t get caught by my own words, but I think this is only taking into account a very small element.”

“I look at the FIA as a whole: do we have a set of regulations that I believe in and trust? Do I trust their enforcement? And the answer to both questions is yes.”

The Briton also praised the work done to improve the 2026 regulations: “Finally, when I look at 2026, I ask myself whether we have a good set of regulations. For many months, I didn’t think we did, but we now do again, thanks to it.”

Liam Lawson is convinced that the FIA should allow drivers some freedom when they are behind the wheel. However, the new Red Bull driver believes it is their responsibility to be mindful of the image they project when they are not in the car.

“I think so. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, when you have a lot of adrenaline and you’re obviously going over 300 km/h wheel to wheel, in those moments, you are naturally under a lot of stress, a lot of pressure.”

“And I think with that level of adrenaline, you might say certain words. But I believe that outside the car, it is our job to control that. But I haven’t really been in this sport long enough to comment too much on this. I rely on what others say.”

Yuki Tsunoda is not shocked by outbursts over the radio, though he acknowledges that limits must be maintained: “For me, it’s something that shows your personality. Obviously, there is a limit. You will reach that threshold, and it can become very toxic—it’s not the kind of language you want to hear.”

The Japanese driver points out that this issue is not exclusive to Formula 1, though he admits he has calmed down significantly since the start of his career: “In general, in sports, I suppose we are not the only ones who swear.”

“But we have received proper media training to avoid swearing too much. And actually, I haven’t been swearing much lately. Maybe I will more than before because I can’t swear in races anymore, so I’ll try not to do it and avoid getting fined.”