The FIA has sent a warning to the teams and drivers requesting they watch what they say during public events following the ‘bad’ language used during the Abu Dhabi podium interviews.
Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel both used expletives during the new for 2012 post-race interviews which take place on the podium and feature an ex-driver as the interviewer – in this case David Coulthard was the one asking the questions.
Raikkonen, who won the race, said: “last time you guys was giving me s**t because I didn’t smile enough,” whilst Vettel said of his post-qualifying penalty: “obviously [it was] a chance to f**k it up.”
Whilst the comments were made in good humour, FIA president Jean Todt requested director of communications Norman Howell to pen a letter warning drivers about their language.
Video: 2012 Abu Dhabi podium interview.
“It is Very much our collective responsibility to make sure drivers are aware such language has no place during media events,” it read.
It added that such language “shines an unwelcome beam of adverse publicity on their teams and sponsors, the sport and the FIA.
“I understand that in the ‘heat of battle’, adrenaline, elation and disappointment make for a dangerous and heady mix.
“But F1 drivers are not the only ones being interviewed in such conditions: I think of boxers, rugby and football players who are routinely interviewed live on television after a gruelling sporting effort. They manage to avoid inappropriate language.”
Red Bull driver and current championship leader Vettel issued the following apology several hours after the race.
“I’m terribly sorry for using the wrong word on the podium today and I’m sorry if I have offended anyone who was watching. In the heat of the moment, I didn’t use the right words and I apologise. I’ll do it better next time.”
