“Person” on the Formula 1 grid does not agree with the FIA’s new crackdown on swearing, according to the president of the drivers’ union.
After qualifying in Singapore, Max Verstappen staged a protest against his penalty for saying “f**k” during the FIA’s official press conference on Thursday.
During the FIA press conference following qualifying, he categorically refused to answer questions (read here).
Of course, FIA officials visited Red Bull and Verstappen after his sabotage of the post-qualifying press conference. After reaching out to the FIA to see if Verstappen could be punished further for his post-qualifying protest, the governing body said “that the case was closed”.
Wurz, who is in Singapore, admitted that FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem’s crusade against foul language has been a big topic of conversation in the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) F1 drivers’ WhatsApp chat group.
“Nobody in the chat thinks it’s cool. All the drivers are angry about it.”
Wurz added that he was “unusual” that the FIA president did not warn the drivers before “immediately decide to make the matter public” and to apply sanctions of the type imposed on Verstappen.
“Of course, one must be careful in choosing one’s words,” said the 50-year-old Austrian. “But nowadays it’s also very difficult for a driver to stay authentic and be who he wants to be.”
“Personally, I am not a fan of verbal attacks on competitors,” Wurz continued. “But if Max complains about his car, he should only discuss it with his team boss.”
As for Verstappen, he confirmed that although Wurz, Norris, Hamilton and one or two others have offered him public support, “in general, we know what everyone thinks”.
