Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari driver, has defended world champion Max Verstappen regarding the criticism he received for using colorful language, which resulted in a community service sentence from the FIA. Charles Leclerc emphasized how difficult it is for drivers to control their language when they are under pressure and driving at high speeds. The Monegasque explained that the FIA’s focus should be on more important issues: “I believe the FIA should concentrate on other priorities right now. We are professional adults, and one of the few sports where what we say during competition is heard.” – he pointed out during the Singapore Grand Prix race weekend at the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Street Circuit.
At the same time, Charles Leclerc also highlighted how radio communications between drivers and teams are often broadcast live, increasing the chances that spontaneous expressions, dictated by the tension of the moment, may be caught. The Ferrari man continued: “I would like the FIA to consider filtering some of our strong expressions, avoiding broadcasting them so frequently.”
With these words, Charles Leclerc suggests that a solution could be to limit the public transmission of certain communications, rather than penalizing drivers for instinctive reactions during critical moments of the race. The Monegasque driver’s defense comes at a time when Max Verstappen has come under scrutiny for using inappropriate language during radio communications and in a press conference. The debate raises questions about managing race-day tension and the media’s responsibility in disseminating certain content.
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