Russell Teases Paper From F1 Drivers To Media Concerning Swearing Issue

Friday, 18 October 2024 at 22:00

Mercedes's George Russell issued an update on what F1 drivers are planning to do about the FIA's actions against swearing.

FIA (F1's regulatory body) asked drivers already before the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix not to swear on the team radio. However, the offensive language wasn't as big of a topic until FIA penalized Max Verstappen for dropping an F-word during an official press conference.

Not agreeing with the penalty, the triple World Champion started his own protest, which he plans to continue even after a one-month break, as he told the media in Austin.

Many drivers have stood up for the triple World Champion, and according to Johny Herbert, they even discussed the topic with the stewards during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

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While Herbert said that there had been at least one driver who stated that swearing was not acceptable, George Russell suggests all of the drivers are now on the same page and don't plan to stop swearing on team radio at least.

Russell, who is a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), also suggested that drivers have yet to talk to FIA but are preparing an official paper for the public very soon.

"It does seem a little bit silly that it has come to this. We've yet to speak with the FIA as of yet, but we hope to do so probably next week, maybe in Mexico."

"Collectively we're all on the same page. Next week, we'll probably formally put something towards [the media] to read from the drivers as a united whole."

It seems that there are two issues at the moment; one of them is using offensive language during a high-adrenaline situation on the team radio during the race, and the other one is speaking at press conferences. Russell hinted at how the drivers plan to approach this.

"We don't want to be taking away the heat of the moment emotions that drivers show during a race, and I think it is down to maybe 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, but equally if it's in a environment like [a press conference], maybe we have a duty just to be conscious of our words. Next week, we will probably collectively have a letter to share."