For several weeks, the FIA has implemented a policy of fines in the event of insults pronounced at a press conference, which does not please the entire paddock at all.
This Thursday, the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) decided to publish a statement on social media, challenging the new regulations of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). This stipulates that drivers who use flowery language in a press conference will receive a fine or a sanction, as was the case for Max Verstappen or Charles Leclerc this Sunday at Interlagos (Brazil).
«When it comes to swear words, there is a difference between those used to insult others and more informal ones, such as those used to describe bad weather or an inanimate object like a Formula 1 car or a driving situation» declares the association founded in 1961. «The GPDA has repeatedly expressed its view that driver fines are not appropriate for our sport. Over the past three years, we have asked the FIA President to share details and strategy on how fines are allocated. financial fines. of the FIA and where the funds are spent.»
Georges Russell, president of this pilots' union since 2020, had expressed his desire to use fines, such as ensuring that stewards present during courses are paid. The GPDA also attacked the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, on the fact that he must “also consider our own tone and language when speaking with, or even about, our member pilots, whether in a public forum or otherwise.»
