Leading Formula 1 drivers are voicing skepticism after the FIA’s sudden U-turn on penalties for swearing and driver outbursts, a flip-flop Mercedes’ George Russell labeled “all a bit suspect.”
The FIA had initially threatened harsh punishments – including possible race bans – for drivers who used profane language or criticised officials, but this week climbed down and dramatically reduced the fines amid driver backlash.
Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, welcomed the policy change yet argued it “should never have been there in the first place,” suggesting it was ludicrous to introduce such rules only to retract them.
Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton slammed the situation as “ridiculous” and “a mess,” urging broader reforms at the FIA.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Max Verstappen – who last year became the first driver punished under the now-relaxed code – said the revision (slashing maximum fines from €10k to €5k and giving stewards more discretion) is “a bit better – it’s a start,” but acknowledged it never should have reached that point.
The consensus among drivers is clear: the entire episode of heavy-handed censorship was misjudged from the outset.
