At the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton called the FIA’s recent change of stance on the use of inappropriate language in Formula 1 a “disaster.” His former teammate, George Russell, also expressed his distrust of the FIA’s lack of dialogue with the drivers on this issue.
The FIA has revised its controversial stance on penalties for offensive language, reducing the possible sanctions under its rules of conduct for drivers.
In the last year, Formula 1 and rally competitors have clashed with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem due to his strict enforcement of language rules. In April, rally drivers reached an agreement that divided events into “controlled zones” and “uncontrolled zones”, a change that is now being implemented across all FIA-sanctioned events.
The FIA announced that the maximum base penalty would be reduced from 10,000 euros to 5,000 euros. In addition, the stewards will have the option of completely suspending the penalty in the event that it is a driver’s or team’s first offense.
It looks like a mess at the moment. Many changes are needed, for sure.
Lewis Hamilton
When asked about the FIA’s decision, Hamilton commented that the current situation seemed a “disaster” and that many changes were needed. He added that he didn’t believe his comments would make a difference.
Russell, who is director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, questioned the FIA’s motivations for introducing such strict penalties in the first place.
Russell expressed that the changes should not have happened in the first place and that the situation was “a bit absurd.” Although he was satisfied with the reversal of the rules, he considered that this situation should not have arisen.
And we still haven’t had any correspondence with anyone high up at the FIA. So, yes, it’s all a bit suspicious.
George Russell
The current champion, Max Verstappen, who was forced to perform community service last year for using inappropriate language in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, said it was a “positive start” and that the FIA had realized that the previous penalties were “a bit aggressive”.
In April, the FIA president stated that there had been “constructive comments” on the subject of language. However, Russell claims that F1 drivers have not yet met with Ben Sulayem to discuss the matter.
Russell indicated that it has been difficult to organize a meeting with Ben Sulayem. He added that, although the drivers have expressed their views, it is necessary that there be a willingness to dialogue on the part of the FIA. He concluded that communication must be mutual.
