BREAKING NEWS: FIA Scrutinized Charles Leclerc After Swearing...

Charles Leclerc Faces Scrutiny from FIA After Swearing During Mexico City GP Press Conference

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has found himself in hot water with the FIA after using inappropriate language during the post-race press conference following the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix. The governing body has been tightening its stance on drivers swearing in recent weeks, citing Article 12.2.1k of the FIA’s International Sporting Code as the basis for their concerns.

According to the FIA’s regulations, the article addresses “any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motorsport and on the values defended by the FIA.” This rule aims to protect the image and values of motorsport, particularly in moments when drivers or team members make comments that could be seen as damaging.

Leclerc’s comment came after a tense final corner moment during the race, which ultimately cost him second place. While describing the incident, Leclerc said, “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, ‘f**k’. Oh, sorry! Oh, no, oh no! I don’t want to join Max!” His quick apology referenced a similar incident involving Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who had been reprimanded for swearing during a press conference earlier in the season.

Leclerc’s slip did not go unnoticed by his teammate Carlos Sainz, who had won the race. In a lighthearted moment, Sainz joked, “Do you have your wallet here?” in reference to potential fines Leclerc could face for the outburst.

FIA Could Launch Investigation into Leclerc Incident

Following the press conference, Leclerc reportedly spoke with the FIA’s Media Delegate, where he apologized and acknowledged his mistake. However, despite Leclerc’s immediate remorse, the FIA Media Delegate had no choice but to report the incident to the stewards, given the current focus on drivers’ language and the existing precedent set with Verstappen’s punishment.

Max Verstappen had been reprimanded for a similar incident earlier this season. After swearing during a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the reigning champion was ordered to perform a day of community service as part of his punishment. Leclerc, aware of the consequences, appeared embarrassed by his slip of the tongue and his quick apology reflected his desire to avoid the same fate as Verstappen.

Now, the FIA must determine whether to pursue the matter further and whether Leclerc deserves a penalty comparable to Verstappen’s. While it remains unclear if the Ferrari driver will face any formal sanctions, the incident has brought renewed attention to the FIA’s stance on driver conduct in media interactions.

Article 12.2.1k has not only been applied to drivers but also to team officials in the past. Last year, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff were summoned by the FIA after making critical comments about a dangerous incident during practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Their frustrations stemmed from a loose drain cover that caused significant damage to Sainz’s Ferrari, forcing it out of the session.

Leclerc’s case could set an example for how the FIA handles driver outbursts moving forward, especially as the organization seeks to maintain a professional image for the sport. Whether Leclerc will face punishment akin to Verstappen’s remains to be seen, but his swift apology may play a role in mitigating the consequences. As the FIA deliberates, drivers and teams will likely take note of the growing emphasis on adhering to the sport’s code of conduct.