The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) opened accounts a few days ago on the social networks X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. What seemed like an obligatory communication maneuver in the 21st century has turned out to be something more. Because the first message that the stars of world motorsport have published on these platforms is a harsh statement addressed to the International Automobile Federation and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The trigger for the rebellion is the recent fines imposed on Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for pronouncing “fuck” in messages broadcast on the radio. The FIA took the opportunity to warn the drivers that it would continue to punish them financially if they said bad words.
“With regard to swear words, there is a difference between those intended to insult others and more casual swear words, such as those you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object, such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation,” says the GPDA.
“We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when speaking to, or even about, our member drivers, whether in a public forum or otherwise. Furthermore, our members are adults, they do not need to receive instructions through the media on matters as trivial as the use of jewelry and underwear,” he adds.
«The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its opinion that monetary fines for drivers are not appropriate for our sport. For the last 3 years we have asked the FIA President to share the details and strategy regarding how FIA financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent. We have also conveyed our concerns about the negative image financial fines bring to the sport. Once again, we request that the FIA President provide financial transparency and direct and open dialogue with us. “All stakeholders (FIA, F1, the teams and the GPDA) must jointly determine how and where money is spent for the benefit of our sport,” he continues.
“The GPDA wishes to engage constructively with all stakeholders, including the FIA President, in order to promote our great sport for the benefit of all who work in it, pay for it, watch it and, indeed, They love him. “We are doing our part.”
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