The Formula 1 drivers face extreme pressure and exertion on their bodies while racing at the pinnacle of motorsport. Hence, during such intense moments, it is expected for the drivers to not think about their language. Multiple drivers cuss and swear on the team radio during said situations while racing on the track.
Hence, FIA’s recent ban on swear words on team radio was received with massive backlash from the drivers and fans alike. Amidst FIA’s unfair ruling over the drivers’ conduct, the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) took some steps to ensure better conditions for the drivers. The GPDA had recently formed an Instagram page as they moved their motion further.
Now, the association has uploaded a post demanding the sport treat the drivers like adults. The document read that there was a difference in swearing which was intended as an insult and casual swearing. The drivers often resorted to such language only to describe non-living things like chassis performance or weather conditions.
Hence, the GPDA further demanded the FIA and the sport to treat the drivers as adults and not restrict them for language or wearing jewelry on track. With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing. We urge the FIA President to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise.
Further, our members are adults, they do not need to be given instructions via the media, about matters as trivial as the wearing of jewellery and underpants. The GPDA’s draft read, via @grandprixdriversassociation/Instagram. RELATEDEx-F1 team boss makes a fascinating ‘glass half empty’ remark around Lewis Hamilton’ final Mercedes seasonThe GPDA also questioned FIA’s strategy on financial fine allocationFIA continues to collect massive sums of money from drivers following any offense during racing.
The sport has already collected a lot of money and is yet to publicly reveal the allocation of said fines. As a result, the GPDA also demanded that the fine allocation and its use must be revealed publicly by the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via IMAGO)The GPDA has, on countless occasions, expressed its view that Driver monetary fines are not appropriate for our Sport.
For the past 3 years, we have called upon the FIA President to share the details and strategy regarding how the FIA’s financial fines are allocated and where the funds are spent. The draft noted. Following the extreme backlash faced by FIA recently due to these issues, the governing body must come up with an answer.
The GPDA has showcased that they are serious this time regarding the impartiality faced by the drivers. Hence, Ben Sulayem will have to promptly speak on the matter and take accountability for his actions. The association is also likely to come up with more strict demands for improving driver safety and partiality.
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