At the FIA Prize Giving Gala in Tashkent, Lando Norris managed to steal the spotlight not only for his achievements on track, but also for an unexpected moment on stage that put FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in an awkward position in front of the audience.
The 2025 Formula 1 season came to a close with its most ceremonial event, the FIA Prize Giving. In Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Lando Norris officially received the trophy for winning the Drivers’ World Championship, the final act of a season that also saw McLaren crowned Constructors’ Champions. Oscar Piastri joined him on stage after finishing third in the Drivers’ standings.
However, the celebratory atmosphere was quickly marked by an episode that sparked both embarrassment and laughter. In front of the recently re-elected FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the British driver broke one of the most sensitive rules of the Federation’s new regulatory approach: the one concerning public language. At a time when the FIA has tightened the International Sporting Code to crack down on swearing and behaviour deemed inappropriate outside the cockpit, the newly crowned world champion let slip an ill-chosen word during his speech at the ceremony.
Norris crowned F1 world champion, swears at the FIA Gala
Even before Lando Norris began speaking, Mohammed Ben Sulayem drew attention with an unexpected gesture, ruffling the driver’s hair as he invited him to address the audience. The 26-year-old from Bristol then reflected on his season, touching on the internal rivalry with Oscar Piastri, the pressure applied by Max Verstappen in the second half of the championship – the Dutchman was absent in Uzbekistan due to illness – and the symbolic victories at Monaco and Silverstone. Then came the verbal slip, immediately followed by a mix of embarrassment and irony.
“I want to say that Oscar certainly didn’t make my life easy, and over the last three years we’ve had a great rivalry and competition with each other,” Norris said. “Of course we achieved some great victories, winning in Monaco and at Silverstone was a dream, but I and everyone else had our share of mistakes and bull****.”
Realising immediately what he had said, Norris added with an ironic tone, “Can I say that here?” before continuing: “Oh, I’m sorry, they’re going to fine me, but I can pay it now,” he joked, defusing the situation before resuming his speech. “Even though we still made a fair number of mistakes and went through some tough moments, it was all worth it, and it’s all part of the story.”
Ben Sulayem ‘fines’ him on the spot, then backtracks
The response from the FIA president turned the breach into a light-hearted public exchange, even though the regulatory message remained clear. “I was going to fine you five thousand dollars later, but now I think you need the money for your hair after I messed it up,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, joking about the incident. The remark drew smiles from the audience, but also highlighted the paradox of the moment: the Formula 1 world champion celebrating his title by immediately breaking one of the flagship rules of the FIA’s tougher stance.
Even on the most formal night of the season, the contrast between the spontaneity of the drivers and the Federation’s strict discipline was once again on full display.
The FIA language regulations and the Norris case
The FIA Code provides for sanctions against the use of vulgar language in official contexts, particularly in so-called “controlled” environments such as ceremonies and press conferences. Norris experienced this rule first-hand, standing right next to Mohammed Ben Sulayem on stage. There were no sporting consequences, but the episode sent a political signal that leaves an open question.
Has Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s re-election softened his stance on one of the key principles of his first mandate, or was this simply an attempt to avoid controversy on the night, with a reminder about strict language rules delivered behind closed doors? Either way, the incident at the FIA Gala ensured that Norris’ title celebration will be remembered for more than just trophies and applause.
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