The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association has published an open letter to reject the FIA ​​and its stance on bad language, following the punishments for both Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen was ordered to carry out “some public interest work” after swearing at an FIA press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix, while Ferrari driver Leclerc was fined €10,000 (half of which suspended) for using a bad word during a press conference. conference at Interlagos this weekend.

GPDA responds to FIA president for using bad words: “Our members are adults”

The FIA ​​expanded its ability to punish drivers under the term “misconduct” during the government of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has sought to crack down on bad language used in official settings.

He previously generated controversy for explaining in an interview that this was because the sport should “differentiate between our sport – motorsports – and rap music,” so Lewis Hamilton responded by what was suggested was “stereotypical” language that included a “racial element.”.

Now, the GPDA, the union representing all Formula 1 drivers, has published an open letter to respond to how they are being treated on this issue, expressing disdain for fines for bad language and clamping down on wearing jewellery. in their cars previously. this season.

On behalf of “The directors and president of the GPDA on behalf of the Grand Prix drivers,” the letter said: “As in all sports, competitors must respect the referee’s decision, whether they agree with it or not. This is how sport works. Drivers (our members) are no different and understand it perfectly.

“With regard to swear words, there is a difference between swear words intended to insult others and more informal swear words, such as those that might be used to describe bad weather, or even an inanimate object like an F1 car, or a driving situation.

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“We urge the FIA ​​President to consider his own tone and language when speaking to, or even about, our member drivers, whether in a public forum or otherwise.

“Also, our members are adults. “They don’t need the media to instruct them on matters as trivial as wearing jewelry or underwear.”

The letter added: “The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that monetary fines for drivers are not appropriate for our sport.

“For the last three years, we have asked the FIA ​​President to share the details and strategy on how FIA financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent.

“We have also conveyed our concern about the negative image that financial fines bring to the sport. We once again ask the FIA ​​President to provide financial transparency and direct and open dialogue with us.

“All interested parties (FIA, F1, the teams and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and if the money is spent for the benefit of the sport.”

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