The controversy over swearing in F1
Despite the FIA’s attempt to calm things down and not exacerbate tensions with Max Verstappenafter the Singapore GP the world champion continued his protest against the Federation: the Dutchman indeed once again responded in monosyllables in the official press conference reserved for the top three, even threatening the possibility of withdrawing from Formula 1 if the sport does not return to a more genuine path. Regardless of the exaggerations, however, it is clear that Verstappen is not fighting his battle against the Federation alone but is supported by all his colleagues on the starting grid. And also by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association led by the former driver Alexander Wurz.
F1 drivers stand with Verstappen
Already in the post-qualifying press conference, Verstappen’s boycott had been explicitly supported by Norris and Hamilton – who also publicly invited Max not to serve the sentence of community service (“I wouldn’t do them and I hope he doesn’t do them either.”) – after the race Norris and Piastri could barely contain their laughter after each laconic response from his Red Bull colleague. As reported by Motorsportfor a few days now the issue is also discussed by the 20 pilots in the GPDA Whatsapp chatthe official union of Formula 1 drivers. And it is no coincidence that President Wurz also chose to intervene on the issue after the checkered flag at Marina Bay.
GPDA, Alex Wurz speaks
Interviewed after the end of the GP by the German site Formel1.deWurz in fact defended Verstappen, considering the severity of the anti-swearing crusade strongly desired by the FIA number one, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, excessive: “How many hours of community service should Gunther Steiner have served? He was glorified for using foul language! Netflix has been broadcasting these things all over the world without any problems, and now all of a sudden we have to change direction? As the president of the GPDA I have to officially say that this is a topic we are discussing internally. First we will find a unanimous consensus, then we will consider whether and how to talk to the FIA and Ben Sulayem”.
“Personally – Wurz then concluded – I strongly believe that it is not the case to address this issue publicly in the newspapers. We will resolve it among ourselves. It is very rare that the GPDA moves through the media, because we simply always try to discuss internally for the good of the sport. We do think, however, that pilots should have the right to express themselves authentically, to a certain extent.. Obviously, one should not be offensive or discriminatory. A lot has been done in this sense and for this reason, as far as I am concerned, the penalty for Verstappen is too severe.”.
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