For his swearing at a post-race press conference in Mexico, Charles Leclerc was questioned today in Brazil and finally sanctioned with a fine of €10,000, including €5,000 suspended on condition that he does not has no other offense of a similar nature in the next 12 months.
The stewards received a report from the FIA media delegate and heard from the driver of car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the team representative, and reviewed the written transcript.
“It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. This is particularly true for statements made by participants in the World Championships and who are thus role models to follow inside and outside the sport.”
“This is clearly within the FIA regulations and has been reinforced by previous cases brought before the FIA Formula One World Championship stewards.”
“The stewards reviewed the transcript of the drivers' post-race press conference in Mexico and found that Charles Leclerc, the driver of car 16, used language in response to a somewhat leading question asking him ” what did you say to yourself” in relation to the important moment towards the end of the race when Leclerc was fighting for control of the car coming out of the last corner. In response, Leclerc used foul language which matched the precise memory of what 'he was thinking at that moment.'
“Leclerc immediately realized his mistake and apologized. Such language is not considered appropriate for broadcast. This is 'misconduct' as defined in Article 20 of the International Sporting Code , and constitutes a violation of Article 12.2.1.k.”
“The commissioners noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group and that Leclerc immediately apologized. During the hearing, Leclerc expressed regret for his momentary lapse in judgment.”
“The stewards accepted that he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport. The stewards considered as a mitigating circumstance the fact that Leclerc immediately apologized. The stewards, while noting the driver's contrite behavior, concluded that “an infraction has occurred and a penalty is warranted.”
“The commissioners do not consider that this offense has reached the same level as the most recent case (Verstappen) and have therefore chosen to impose a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended in the event of a repeat offense within 12 months .”
