The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has issued an open letter in response to the FIA’s recent actions regarding swearing by drivers, following punishments given to Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen was instructed to do “some work of public interest” after he swore during an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, while Leclerc was fined €10,000 (half of which was suspended) for swearing in a press conference at Interlagos over the weekend.
Under FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA has expanded its power to punish drivers for what they consider “misconduct,” including swearing in official settings.
Ben Sulayem had previously stirred controversy by explaining that the sport should “differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music,” a statement which led Lewis Hamilton to criticize the comments as “stereotypical” and including a “racial element.”
Now, the GPDA, which represents all Formula 1 drivers, has released an open letter to address their concerns over the FIA’s handling of these issues, including the fines for swearing and the earlier clampdown on wearing jewelry in cars this season.
The letter, on behalf of the GPDA directors and chairman, stated: “As is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee’s decision, whether they agree with it or not. That is how sport works. The drivers (our members) are no different, and fully understand that.”
It continued by explaining that there is a difference between swearing meant to insult others and more casual swearing, such as when talking about bad weather, an F1 car, or a driving situation.
The letter also urged the FIA president to consider his own tone and language when speaking to or about the drivers, whether publicly or privately. It stressed that the drivers are adults and do not need instructions from the media on matters like wearing jewelry or even underpants.
The GPDA added: “The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that driver monetary fines are not appropriate for our sport.”
The letter highlighted that for the past three years, the GPDA has asked the FIA president to share information about how financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent. They also raised concerns about the negative image these fines give the sport.
Finally, the GPDA requested financial transparency from the FIA president and called for more open dialogue with the drivers. The letter emphasized that all parties involved — the FIA, Formula 1, the teams, and the GPDA — should work together to decide how and whether these fines are spent for the benefit of the sport.
