Formula 1 drivers through the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) has called on the FIA to treat them like adults in the wake of the controversy over swearing, Afrosport reports.
A collective statement posted on the GPDA Instagram page showed unity with Max Verstappen after he was given community service by the FIA for swearing at the Singapore Grand Prix Thursday press conference.
Charles Leclerc was also fined €10,000 for swearing at the Mexico City Grand Prix post-race press conference, half of which was suspended for 12 months provided there were no repeat offences.
It also referenced the media missives handed out in 2022 on wearing jewellery while in the car, something Lewis Hamilton was noted for.
“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,” read the statement
“Our members are professional drivers, racing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of international motorsport. They are 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.”
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The GPDA said it was open to collaborating with F1 and the FIA to ensure all decisions are to the benefit of the championship and its spectacle.
The body also suggested that it was unhappy with the levying of driver fines, particularly as it felt the use of those fines was not fully transparent.
Mercedes driver George Russell and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel are directors of the GPDA while former F1 driver and two-time Le Mans 24 Hour winner Alexander Wurz is the chairman.
