Mercedes’ George Russell and his fellow Formula 1 drivers are set to pen a public letter surmising their displeasure with the FIA over the Max Verstappen swearing row.
Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA and its President Mohammed Ben Sulayem firmed up their stance against F1 driver swearing.
Verstappen fell foul of this first, swearing in the Thursday Singapore Press Conference and subsequently being handed a punishment of a day’s community service.
The Dutchman criticised the FIA’s method of punishment and Russell has confirmed Verstappen‘s peers are united on this front.
“It does seem a little bit silly that it has come to this,” Russell, Director of the Grand Prix Driver’s Association (GPDA), told select media including Motorsport Week ahead of the United States GP.
“We’ve yet to speak with the FIA as yet, but we hope to do so next week in Mexico.
“Collectively, we’re all on the same page. Next week we’ll probably formally put something towards you guys to read from the drivers as a united whole.”
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George Russell: broadcasters have power over publicising F1 driver swearing
Ben Sulayem and the FIA’s stance on swearing extends beyond press conferences, with the governing body seeking a reduction in foul language during television broadcasts of races.
Be that as it may, swearing during driver radio is an internal communication, made public at the discretion of F1’s tv direction.
Russell spoke regarding this facet of the swearing row, adding, “we don’t want to be taking away the heat of the moment.
“Emotions that drivers show during a race. I think it is down to the broadcaster when it comes to the race to choose if they want to broadcast that or not.
“It is very challenging for the drivers when you have a microphone, you’re talking with your team, you’re in the middle of battle.”
However, Russell conceded that in off-track conversations with the media, “maybe we have a duty just to be conscious of our words.
“As I said, I think next week we’ll probably collectively have a letter or something together just to share with everyone.”
The FIA made a ‘silly start’ to F1 driver swearing clampdown
Verstappen has yet to go through with his punishment for swearing, one that Lewis Hamilton has said he hopes the Dutchman doesn’t adhere to.
Hamilton continued his stance against the FIA on swearing in Austin, saying “I think even for Formula 1, they probably know it wasn’t a great look and they’re probably looking at figuring something else out moving forward.”
Verstappen was typically coy on the subject, and when asked about the GPDA’s impending letter on swearing, responded with “at the end of the day, of course, everyone has their own opinion, but I think it’s quite clear that… It was, like I said already, a silly start.’
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