Max Verstappen is calling for the FIA to apply “a bit of common sense” regarding penalties for drivers swearing. He believes the focus should shift to more critical aspects of Formula 1.
Last month, the FIA added a new appendix to the International Sporting Code, detailing punishments for driver misconduct, including swearing. The sanctions include escalating fines for repeated offenses, potentially exceeding $120,000, along with a one-month suspension and a deduction of championship points for a third infraction.
Verstappen found himself at the heart of this issue last year when he had to perform public service after using a swear word to describe his car’s performance during an FIA press conference. He feels the attention given to this matter is overblown.
“It’s a lot of money,” Verstappen remarked. “Honestly, I think enforcing the rules like this is unnecessary.”
“I think a bit of common sense should be applied. We should focus on topics that enhance safety and improve the performance of Formula 1 cars, instead of getting caught up in issues like these. It’s a bit unnecessary, in my opinion.”
“It’s complicated,” Verstappen continued. “But I always express my views, and right now, I think it’s excessive. Writing it all down like that is unnecessary.”
Verstappen isn’t isolated in his opinion. Fans echoed his sentiment during the F1 75 live event, and fellow driver Oscar Piastri also believes the hefty fines are unwarranted.
“It’s a hot topic right now,” Piastri noted. “Maybe the language can get a bit too strong at times, but there’s merit in not swearing unnecessarily.”
“In the heat of the moment in the car, we might say things that aren’t politically correct. However, outside the car, we are role models and should behave accordingly.”
“Does that require heavy fines as a reminder? Maybe a discussion would suffice, but I see both sides and aim to stay neutral.”
Yuki Tsunoda, known for his colorful language on team radio, thinks these restrictions limit drivers’ individuality.
“Personally, I think swearing reveals one’s personality,” Tsunoda shared. “In sports, it’s not just us swearing; we’re trained not to swear much. Recently, I haven’t been swearing as often.”
“Maybe I’ll swear more away from F1, since I can’t during races, and try to avoid getting fined!”
Luckily for Tsunoda, team radio seems safe. RB CEO Peter Bayer indicated during an F1 Commission meeting that team radio would remain untouched, citing how Dan Ticktum’s recent expletive-laden outburst in Jeddah went unpunished.
Meanwhile, the FIA recently enforced its new sanctions on World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux, who was fined €30,000 ($31,400) — with €20,000 suspended for a year due to mitigating factors — for swearing during a live broadcast at Rally Sweden.
