In a remarkable show of unity, F1 drivers have come together to voice their discontent with the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem over controversial crackdown on swearing within the sport.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) representing all active F1 drivers has publicly criticized Ben Sulayem’s handling of the situation, calling for a reevaluation of his approach and tone in dealing with drivers.
The swearing issue came to light following comments made by the FIA president in an interview prior to the Singapore Grand Prix. In his statements, he expressed a desire to see less foul language during broadcasts, suggesting that the sport should distinguish itself from other cultural expressions, such as rap music.
The fallout from these comments was immediate; shortly after, Max Verstappen’s punishment for swearing during a press conference in Singapore came along, resulting in what was described as community service for the reigning world champion.
Similarly, Charles Leclerc was fined €10,000 for using inappropriate language during a post-race press conference in Mexico City. This led to an uproar as F1 drivers warned they would be penning a public letter to the FIA.
The GPDA’s response was swift and unequivocal. In a statement released on November 7, 2024, they articulated their concerns about the FIA’s approach to driver conduct and communication.
The association claimed that while drivers must adhere to the rules set forth by the FIA—akin to how athletes in other sports respect their referees—the manner in which these rules are enforced is equally important.
The GPDA urged Ben Sulayem to consider his own language when addressing drivers and to avoid public admonishments that could be perceived as patronizing or disrespectful.
The drivers’ association also expressed frustration over what they perceive as a heavy-handed approach by Ben Sulayem’s administration. The swearing controversy has been characterized by its disproportionate consequences; for instance, Max Verstappen’s punishment for a single curse word was viewed as excessive by many in the paddock.
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They additionally requested for transparency regarding how fines are allocated and spent by the FIA, arguing that this lack of clarity undermines trust among stakeholders.
The full statement reads: “As is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee’s decision, whether they like it or not, indeed whether they agree with it or not. That is how sport works. The Drivers (our members) are no different, and fully understand that.
“Our members are professional drivers, racing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are the gladiators and every racing weekend they put on a great show for the fans.
“With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation.
“We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants.
“The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that Driver monetary fines are not appropriate for our Sport. For the past 3 years, we have called upon the FIA President to share the details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent.
“We have also relayed our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the Sport. We once again request that the FIA President provides financial transparency and direct, open dialogue with us.
“All stakeholders (FIA, F1, the Teams and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and where the money is spent for the benefit of our Sport.
“The GPDA wishes to collaborate in a constructive way with all the stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote our great Sport for the benefit of everyone who works in it, pays for it, watches it, and indeed loves it. We are playing our part.”
The timing of the public dispute is particularly notable as F1 prepares for its upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Verstappen could potentially secure another championship title.
The F1 drivers’ united front against Ben Sulayem indicates a growing dissatisfaction with how the FIA is managing relationships with its key participants. As tensions rise ahead of the next race, it remains to be seen how both sides will navigate this contentious landscape.
