The FIA has been cracking down on drivers for using bad language and is being severe in its punishments. Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was recently reprimanded by the stewards at the Singapore Grand Prix for using the “f” word during a press conference. The FIA’s move also faced backlash from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who attacked the FIA president after the latter, while speaking about the move, said that F1 drivers are not rappers.
Lewis Hamilton has criticised the FIA president for his remarks, claiming they were racist. Now F1 team bosses have sided with the drivers and said it is a natural reaction when driving at 350mph.
F1 team bosses side with drivers
Several F1 team bosses have backed the drivers, saying it is a natural reaction and an emotional response can be expected when someone is behind the wheel of an F1 car. Among those most responsible for this stance are Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Williams team boss James Vowels.
“I think we have to make a difference in the language during the race because I think we are one of the few sports where… you don’t have the microphone on the football player or whatever. I don’t want to say the football player as a reference, but we also have to understand that they are driving the car at 350 [km/h] and I’m not sure language is the first priority for them when they drive the car.
Read more: Max Verstappen punished for swearing at F1 press conference
“And I can fully understand that. We can discuss the other approach and, I repeat, I won’t do it for obvious reasons, but I think that when they are in the car, it is a bit harsh,” said the Ferrari team boss in light of the new FIA rule.
James Vowels adds his voice to the mix
Williams team boss James Vowels agreed with his Ferrari counterpart that the FIA’s new rule was a bit harsh and that drivers should be allowed to swear during races as it is an emotional response.
“I think Fred is right. I mean, when you’re out there in that moment, and even at a point where you think someone has challenged your life, which is often one of the maneuvers that ends up being… all of you, everyone in this room, would have an emotional reaction to that.
Read more: Lando Norris overtakes Max Verstappen as McLaren takes pole
“There were two differences. Clearly, I understand that we are a global sport and there are other elements that we need to keep under control, and there are other situations where perhaps inappropriate language has been used on the slowdown lap in a stationary pit lane that can be completely avoided.
“But we also have to try to keep in mind that we have some of the most elite athletes in the world risking their lives as gladiators, and that will provoke an emotional reaction.
“And no matter how many words I can use with them here, in the calm of the moment, you still have adrenaline in your body and it would be very difficult to change that period.
I mean, Franco [Colapinto] I swore it today, if I’m completely transparent, but I’ll talk to him about it later.
“It was for no other reason than that he forgot something. We can fix that.
“But I think in the heat of the moment we’re asking a lot of athletes,” James Vowels said in his statement.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.