F1 driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands raises his trophy after the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix on April 6, 2025.
Shuji Kajiyama/AP/AP
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Shuji Kajiyama/AP/AP
The governing body that oversees Formula One racing is concerned about F1 drivers using explicit language, leading to one of the sport’s top drivers feeling constrained.
Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion for the Red Bull Racing team, faced a penalty for his choice of words during a press conference where he expressed frustration about the performance of his car in colorful language.
Despite race stewards acknowledging that English is not Verstappen’s first language and the word used is common in his speech, they emphasized the importance of being mindful in public communication.
Verstappen later expressed feeling restricted in his ability to speak openly about certain issues, citing a fear of potential penalties due to the current climate of hypersensitivity.
The FIA, under the leadership of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has been enforcing penalties for inappropriate language, causing backlash from drivers. Sulayem is now considering revising these strict measures.
The article humorously reflects on the challenges faced by F1 drivers in expressing themselves freely, especially in high-stress situations on the racetrack.
Ultimately, the article suggests a lighthearted solution to eliminate explicit language from F1 by humorously proposing a tricycle race scenario instead.
