According to George Russell, the head of the Formula 1 drivers’ union, the drivers are looking to limit swearing in the car. During the Singapore GP, the FIA made it clear that it wants to take stricter action against swearing behind the wheel. Max Verstappen, who used the word ‘fucked‘ during a press conference, was immediately affected by this. The Dutchman subsequently boycotted all press moments and threatens to do this again in Austin.
In the run-up to the United States GP, George Russell could confirm that the drivers will be more mindful of their language in the future. “It seems a bit trivial that it had to come to this,” the Brit told Reuters. “We still have to talk to the FIA, but we hope to do that next week in Mexico. As a collective, we are all in agreement,” said Russell.
In the run-up to the Mexico GP, we can therefore expect an official statement. “As drivers, we will probably submit something formal,” Russell concluded. “It should be clear that we do not want to completely remove the emotions from the sport. The direction can choose to broadcast less during the race, and at the same time, we must be aware of what we all say.
A New Boycott by Verstappen?
Max Verstappen, who was reprimanded in Singapore for his coarse language, is less compliant. He still feels that he did nothing wrong and therefore has not sought contact with the FIA after the incident. “I haven’t heard anything, so nothing changes for me,” he told the BBC. “I’m not a big fan of talking, so it’s fine with me.”
Verstappen made it clear that he is willing to speak to the press during official press moments, but at the same time hinted that he only gives full and appropriate answers outside of press conferences. The ‘stupid’ dispute with the FIA is not his fault, according to the Dutchman. “I’m open to a conversation, but it doesn’t have to come from my side,” he said. “I’m just going on with my life.”
“Of course, you can’t just swear, but that has more to do with insulting others,” Verstappen defended himself. “In this specific scenario, the FIA’s action is very unnecessary. Arguments like: ‘Yes, but children are also watching’, do not apply. When I was five years old, I really didn’t watch press conferences. Besides, much worse things are being said in schools these days. That’s just life. I understand that I have to set a good example, but you really shouldn’t make such a big deal out of this.”
