Formula 1 drivers have called on the sport’s governing body, the FIA, to treat them with more respect and maturity after a series of punishments for swearing, with the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) speaking out in a rare collective statement.
The drivers, including current world champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, have expressed frustration over fines imposed for using swear words in public settings, and have taken issue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s language and tone when addressing the issue. The GPDA’s open letter, which was made public recently, asks the FIA to reconsider its stance on the matter, highlighting the difference between swearing meant to insult others and more casual exclamations, such as those made by drivers in the heat of competition.
“We urge the FIA president to consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise,” the letter reads. “Our members are adults. They do not need to be given instructions by the media about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery or underpants.”
The drivers’ comments come after Verstappen was ordered by FIA stewards at the Singapore Grand Prix to “accomplish some work of public interest” after using a swear word to describe his car during a news conference. Verstappen, who is no stranger to speaking his mind, had been frustrated by his car’s performance. The FIA decision followed an earlier incident in which Charles Leclerc was fined for swearing in a post-race interview at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The GPDA’s frustration is not limited to fines for swearing. In their letter, the drivers criticized the FIA for its recent focus on regulating non-sporting matters like driver attire, specifically the controversial rules on jewellery and underwear that Ben Sulayem introduced during his presidency. These rules, which require drivers to wear specific types of underwear and prohibit wearing jewellery during races, have been seen by many as overly restrictive and unnecessary.
The letter also raises concerns about the FIA’s use of monetary fines as a form of punishment. The drivers have long argued that financial penalties are not an effective way to promote discipline and that there is a lack of transparency regarding how the fines are allocated. The GPDA has requested that the FIA president provide full financial transparency on how the money collected from fines is spent, as well as a clear strategy for the distribution of funds.
“We once again request the FIA president provides financial transparency and direct, open dialogue with us,” the letter continues. “All stakeholders—FIA, F1, the teams, and the GPDA—should jointly determine how and whether the money is spent for the benefit of the sport.”
The FIA president’s comments earlier this year sparked a backlash from drivers. In an interview with before the Singapore Grand Prix, Ben Sulayem expressed disapproval of the swearing heard during broadcasts of Formula 1 races. His remarks suggested that such language was inappropriate for a global audience, leading to further tensions with the drivers, who felt that their personalities and the emotional nature of the sport should not be sanitized.
Ben Sulayem also made a controversial comparison between Formula 1 and rap music, suggesting that the sport needed to “differentiate” itself from the genre. His remarks were perceived by some, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, as racially charged and unnecessarily critical of the drivers’ expressions. Hamilton, who is known for his outspoken views, accused Ben Sulayem of using “stereotypical” language and pointed out the double standards in how the FIA enforces its policies.
The GPDA letter emphasizes that while the drivers are willing to collaborate constructively with all parties involved in the sport, they also expect to be treated with respect. The collective statement, signed by GPDA chairman Alex Wurz and its directors—Mercedes’ George Russell, ex-driver Sebastian Vettel, and Anastasia Fowle—underlines that the drivers are not children but professionals who deserve autonomy and consideration.
The GPDA’s letter marks the first time since 2017 that the drivers have made a collective public statement. In 2017, they urged for reforms to the decision-making process in Formula 1, arguing that the current system was not conducive to the health of the sport. Their most recent statement signals their continued frustration with the governance of Formula 1 under Ben Sulayem’s leadership.
The drivers’ concerns also reflect a growing sentiment among F1’s key stakeholders—drivers, teams, and fans—that the sport’s direction should prioritize the racing itself and the personalities that drive it, rather than focusing on rules that may be seen as trivial or overly controlling.
The GPDA’s letter represents a clear call for a more respectful and transparent relationship with the FIA. In the context of modern F1, where drivers are expected to perform under intense pressure, the expectation is that they should be allowed to express their emotions authentically, including using colorful language in moments of frustration.
As Formula 1 continues to grow in popularity and global reach, the question of how much control the governing body should have over its drivers’ personal expression remains a point of contention. For now, the drivers have spoken collectively, making it clear that they want to be treated as professionals and given the freedom to express themselves as such—without fear of arbitrary fines or unnecessary restrictions.
Whether the FIA will heed these calls remains to be seen, but the ball is now in their court.
