Mercedes Team Principal In Support Of FIA Formal Warning Against Him And Ferrari Team Principal

Monday, 27 November 2023 at 06:00

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff supported FIA's decision to give a formal warning to him and Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur.

Two of the ten F1 team principals have been summoned to stewards concerning the Thursday press conference ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

It was Mercedes and Ferrari team principals Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseir who were investigated for the use of improper language during the conference.

While it was decided no further action would be taken on the case following their hearing, both team principals have been issued a formal warning by FIA. Wolff told the media in Abu Dhabi:

"I find it very good that we remind all stakeholders that have a public profile, that we are responsible to what we say in the media and on TV."

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The document issued by FIA described the highly public profile and role-model status of team principals that has weight in this case. Wolff continued:

"If it is Fred and I going to the stewards, if we can trigger a general change of approach of the stewards to sanction swearing, then that is good."

F1 drivers and team principals work in a very high-adrenaline environment, and it is not uncommon to hear some of them swear on the team radio. Mercedes team principal suggests nobody should use the F word.

"Nobody should use the 'F word' in the car or outside of the car. We should be role models, especially for the fans that we have, especially the young ones."

The sport Formula One has grown in popularity over the last couple of years and Wolff highlighted it is important to adhere to the rules of integrity, honesty, and transparency to keep the sport growing. He concluded:

"I really like the initiative because I hope to trigger to not use the F word in the media, wherever we are. We have a responsibility. We're big boys in the sport and we have an obligation to the sport not to fall foul with our words."