When questioned about any concerns regarding the current situation, Russell confidently replied, “I have no worries about him or his driving. My approach to competing against him or any other drivers will remain unchanged.”
Meanwhile, Verstappen is set to address the media late on Tuesday, just ahead of the live event at the O2, which kicks off at 8 PM GMT.
Russell further shared his thoughts on the FIA’s decision to establish a system that could penalize drivers for swearing or criticizing race officials. As a 27-year-old who holds the position of director at the F1 drivers’ body, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, he remarked, “This seems like a big leap. We need to keep showcasing our personalities as drivers. We don’t want to feel trapped in a bubble, that’s for sure.”
He continued, “I get the argument against swearing in formal places like press conferences. But for many non-native speakers, swear words are often the first they learn.”
Last year, after an outburst during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen was required to participate in a form of motorsport community service. Following the incident, the four-time world champion limited his responses in an official FIA press conference and opted to speak with journalists outside the venue.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri chimed in, saying, “When we’re in the car, we’re in our zone, and it’s natural to speak our minds, even if it’s not always politically correct. But outside the race, we have a duty to be role models.”
He added, “A hefty fine might not be necessary to make a point. A simple reminder could be just as effective. I’m looking at it from both perspectives, and I’ll do my best to steer clear of trouble.”
Recently, over the weekend, rally driver Adrien Fourmaux became the first to face penalties under this new rule. For swearing during a TV interview post a special stage, he was fined 10,000 euros (£8,300), with an additional 20,000 euros (£16,600) suspended.
Last week, Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon shared their opinion, stating that threatening drivers with bans over swearing was excessive. However, they agreed on the importance of minding their language outside the car.
