George Russell gives in as F1 drivers surrender to the FIA over the “bad language” issue. The International Federation’s position is clear: foul or disrespectful language should not be used in front of microphones—it’s still unclear how this rule will apply to team radios—otherwise, penalties like the one imposed on Max Verstappen will follow.
Even those directly affected by the new anti-profanity rules are starting to yield. Max Verstappen risks soon being alone in his battle against the Federation, which began on Thursday in Singapore. It was in Marina Bay that the Dutch driver accidentally let slip the word “fuc*ed,” referring to his car.
Just a few hours earlier, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the International Federation, had issued a warning: no more profanity in front of the microphones because Formula 1 must be a sport suitable for children and families. The immediate consequence for the championship leader was a sanction involving unspecified “community service.”
The paddock had quickly rallied behind Max Verstappen, criticizing the FIA’s strict stance on the matter. However, some team principals, including Frédéric Vasseur, offered a different perspective: while profanity might be acceptable in the car, as it is said “in the heat of the moment,” it would be appropriate to maintain respectful language in front of the microphones.
Now, even George Russell, director of the GPDA, has adopted this position: he explained to RacingNews365 that they absolutely do not want to eliminate the emotional side of the drivers, stating that he believes this is essential in their sport. However, he acknowledged that it is appropriate to maintain clean language during a press conference, but definitely, on the radio, they should be able to express themselves freely.
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