For the new season, the FIA President now prefers to make his new curse ban on and introduces a new penalty catalog. For “the general use of language (in writing or orally), gestures and/or signs that are offensive, insulting, gross, rude, or abusive” are due in the future lush fines or even suspenders.
For the first violation, at least in the case of Formula 1 drivers, a fine of 40,000 euros is due. The second offense should then be 80,000 euros and a one -month lock. In the case of a third violation, it is a total of 120,000 euros, a one -month lock and deduction of points in the World Cup. Means: The FIA is ready to actively intervene in a possible close World Cup decision by locking and points deductions, just to prevent the drivers’ cursing.
Such drastic punishments should not be well received by the already irritated drivers. After all, Verstappen was defiant after his social hour penalty. At that time he only gave very short answers in the following press conference, preferred to organize his own press round after which the FIA had no sovereignty. He even flirted with an early resignation.
After all, Williams pilot Carlos Sainz admitted that the drivers could have a better grip on a controlled environment such as a press conference, but it was different in the car. “As far as the radio is concerned, I do not agree with what is currently happening. They should not be too strict in these situations, because they cannot understand the pressure, adrenaline and the way we feel”, ” he justified his opposition to the punishments.
He also pointed out that the curse on the radio also brought the passion of the driver. “It is also good for Formula 1 to have these moments, because you see the real driver. We are very limited in what we can tell you. We have a lot of media training,” said the Spaniard. “Sometimes we are told what we cannot say. But if you hear the passion out of the words, even if we swear, then we should, I think in Formula 1.”