The FIA is currently deliberating whether to impose sanctions on Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc following his use of profanity during the post-race press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Leclerc’s outburst occurred as he recounted a critical moment in the race where he lost second place to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Leclerc quickly apologized for his slip, expressing regret and hoping to avoid a similar fate as fellow driver Max Verstappen, who faced repercussions for swearing in a previous press conference.
Key Takeaways
Charles Leclerc swore during the post-race press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The FIA is considering potential punishments, including fines or community service.
Leclerc’s immediate apology may influence the severity of any sanctions.
The incident follows a similar situation involving Max Verstappen, who was penalized for swearing in Singapore.
Incident Overview
During the press conference, Leclerc described a tense moment in the race where he narrowly avoided a crash but ultimately lost his position to Norris. He stated, "I had one oversteer and then when I recovered from that oversteer, I had an oversteer from the other side and then I was like, ‘****’." His immediate reaction was to apologize, saying, "Oh, sorry! Oh, no, oh no! I don’t want to join Max."
FIA’s Response
The FIA is reviewing the incident, with a decision expected before the upcoming media day at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Leclerc’s comments could be seen as a breach of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which governs driver conduct. Possible outcomes include:
A reprimand
A fine
Community service
Leclerc’s quick apology may lead to a more lenient view compared to Verstappen’s case, where the latter expressed indifference towards the use of expletives.
Context of Swearing in F1
The topic of swearing in Formula 1 has gained traction, especially after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem suggested that drivers should use cleaner language during broadcasts. This has sparked discussions among drivers, with some, including Lewis Hamilton, supporting Verstappen and questioning the appropriateness of penalties for such behavior.
Upcoming Events
As the FIA deliberates, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix is set to take place this weekend, concluding the Americas triple-header. The schedule includes:
Thursday, October 31: Drivers’ Press Conference at 4 PM
Friday, November 1: Practice One at 2 PM, Team Principals’ Press Conference at 4:30 PM
Saturday, November 2: Sprint Qualifying at 6 PM
Sunday, November 3: Grand Prix at 5 PM
The outcome of the FIA’s discussions regarding Leclerc’s comments will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
With the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on the horizon, all eyes will be on Leclerc and the FIA’s decision, as the world of Formula 1 continues to navigate the fine line between competitive spirit and professional conduct.
