Max Verstappen says the FIA needs to “use a bit of common sense” when it comes to drivers swearing and wants more focus to be on what he deems to be more important topics within Formula 1.
The FIA changed added an appendix to the International Sporting Code last month, outlining the punishments available to stewards for drivers that are guilty of misconduct, including swearing. An escalating level of fines for each offense means a driver could be subject to a fine of over $120,000 and a one-month suspension, as well as the deduction of championship points, should they be found guilty of misconduct for a third time.
Verstappen was central to the topic last year when he was ordered to complete some work of public interest for using a swear word to describe his car’s handling during an FIA press conference, and he believes the amount of focus on the issue has been over the top.
“It’s a lot of money,” Verstappen said. “Honestly, from my side, I think it’s not necessary to be like that with the rules.
“I think you need to use a bit of common sense. Besides that, I prefer that we actually focus on other topics to try and improve safety, try and improve the overall performance of Formula 1 cars, instead of actually having to focus on all these kinds of things. It’s a bit unnecessary, I think.
“It’s a complicated matter, I would say, with that … I always share my opinion. Like I say now, I think it’s just a bit much. It’s not necessary to put it like that, fully written down.”
Verstappen is far from alone with his viewpoint among the drivers — or fans, who booed the FIA logo when it was shown at F1 75 live — and Oscar Piastri also believes the increasing monetary fine approach is not necessary.
“It’s obviously a popular story at the moment,” Piastri said. “I think potentially some of the sentiments are maybe a little bit strong, but I think there’s also a valid point in not swearing where it’s not necessary to.
“Certainly in the car, we’re in our zone and of course we’re going to say things that are in the heat of the moment and probably not politically correct. But I do also think that when we are out of that situation, we are role models and we should be setting an example.
“Whether that requires a big monetary fine to remind us of that… I think a talking to maybe is going to be enough, but I see it in both ways and I’m going to try and keep myself out of it.”
One driver who has been prone to swearing — particularly on team radio — is Yuki Tsunoda, who believes the restrictions are to the detriment of drivers showing individuality.
“As a personal opinion, for me it’s the thing that shows your personality,” Tsunoda said. “In general, in sports, I guess it’s not just us swearing; but for us, we have proper training to not swear much. And actually, I don’t swear much recently.
“Maybe I will swear more than before because I can’t swear now in racing, so I’ll try to not fudge up and not get fined!”
Fortunately for Tsunoda, team radio looks set to be untouched. His RB CEO Peter Bayer says that was the general consensus during an F1 Commission meeting, following an example of Dan Ticktum’s expletive-laden team radio during the recent Jeddah E-Prix going unpunished.
World Rally Championship driver Adrien Fourmaux was the first to be penalized under the FIA’s new sanctions last week, receiving a €30,000 fine — with €20,000 suspended for 12 months for mitigating factors, including speaking in his second language — for swearing during a live television broadcast as he finished the final stage at Rally Sweden.
