The debate about the use of profanity by drivers continues, with George Russell being the latest to weigh in. According to the Mercedes driver, there is ‘a time and a place’ for coarse language from drivers, and a curse word or two over the team radio makes the sport ‘so pure’. However, Russell would prefer not to see profanity used in press conferences.
The FIA announced in early January that it would take a tougher stance on misconduct, including the use of profanity, by drivers. The governing body’s new penalty guidelines immediately sparked a lot of discussion in the paddock about whether or not swearing is part of the sport. Both Toto Wolff and Günther Steiner argued that drivers should be allowed to continue using colourful language over the team radio.
George Russell, in addition to being a Mercedes driver, is also the chairman of the drivers’ union, and he now joins the two. “Things have gotten a bit out of hand in recent months,” the Brit begins to BBC Sport. Russell seems to agree with the FIA that coarse language during official press moments is inappropriate.”“We are not just racers, but also personalities. If you swear as much as you want, it impacts your brand and reputation, whether the FIA is involved or not””, explains George Russell.
Authenticity
Russell, however, believes that swearing over the radio, in the heat of the moment, should be allowed. ““Our emotions need to remain genuine, especially over the radio. That’s what makes the sport so pure. But if you’re standing in front of a room full of people on a Thursday afternoon, perhaps swearing isn’t necessary. However, when it comes to pure emotion, we as racers should be allowed to be as authentic as possible.”
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