For some months, the FIA has shown particular intolerance toward any “off-color” language: Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were among those to face consequences, and now the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) is speaking out against the Federation.
The FIA’s strict intolerance in recent weeks has caused amusement on social media and discontent among the drivers. After banning all forms of “vulgar” language, the FIA reprimanded drivers who were caught offending. The first to receive punishment from the Federation was Max Verstappen, who will have to perform some “socially useful” work. A lighter approach was taken in Mexico City with Charles Leclerc, who, during a press conference, let slip a word that the FIA found unacceptable.
On Thursday, November 7, the F1 drivers responded to the Federation. The paddock’s key figures, while acknowledging the FIA’s primary role as the sport’s governing body, voiced clear dissatisfaction with the recent “prohibition.”
Drivers against FIA’s attitude: “We’re adults”
“Our members are professional drivers,” reads the statement from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association. “They race in F1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are gladiators, and every race weekend, they create great entertainment for the fans.”
“Regarding foul language, there’s a difference between an expletive meant to insult someone and a more casual expletive that can be used to describe, for example, a difficult weather situation or an inanimate object like an F1 car or a driving situation,” the official statement continues.
“We also urge the FIA president to reconsider his tone and language when speaking to our members, whether in public events or other circumstances,” the statement adds. “Our members are adults. They do not need instructions through the media on trivial matters like wearing jewelry or underwear.”
Fines for drivers: “Where does the money go?”
The statement from the F1 drivers’ association continues and asks for financial clarification from the FIA and Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “The GPDA expresses its view that financial penalties are not appropriate for our sport. For the past three years, we’ve urged the FIA president to share details and strategies regarding fines, to understand how they are imposed and where the money goes.”
The drivers also express their concerns. According to the GPDA, the constant fines contribute to a negative image of F1. “Once again, we ask the FIA President to be direct and transparent on financial matters, keeping an open dialogue with us drivers.”
In conclusion, the association aims to collaborate constructively with all organizers, including the FIA president, to “promote the welfare of F1.”
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