BREAKING NEWS:Drivers Boycott FIA Over Swearing BAN In…read more
BREAKING NEWS:Drivers Boycott FIA Over Swearing BAN In…read more
Competitors in an FIA-sanctioned racing series have launched a protest against the governing body’s strict penalties for using profane language. The FIA, which oversees motorsports like Formula 1, WRC, WEC, and Formula E, has faced criticism following controversial decisions throughout the 2024 F1 season. Their latest crackdown on swearing has now led to a boycott by World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers.
The debate intensified after reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen was given a community service-style penalty for swearing during an FIA press conference. This sparked discussions across multiple racing series about whether drivers should be penalized for using strong language. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem later suggested that F1 team radio should no longer be broadcast to prevent explicit language from affecting race coverage.
Following the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton was heard swearing on team radio out of frustration but was not penalized. However, in the WRC, stricter enforcement was evident. At Rally Sweden, Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux was fined €10,000, with an additional suspended €20,000 fine, for using inappropriate language in a post-stage TV interview.
In response, WRC drivers united in protest ahead of Safari Rally Kenya, staging a boycott by limiting their comments during post-stage interviews. Some, including Fourmaux, remained silent, while others spoke only in their native languages.
Since the Rally Sweden controversy, WRC drivers and co-drivers have formed the World Rally Drivers’ Alliance (WRDA), akin to Formula 1’s GPDA. Before the Safari Rally Kenya, the WRDA issued a statement calling for a balance between professionalism and freedom of expression, asking the FIA for rule changes to allow drivers to express emotions without fear of punishment.
Explaining their protest, WRDA members stated: “We all agree to keep rudeness at the microphone to a minimum. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a certain freedom of expression and keep emotions alive, without drivers fearing penalties.” They apologized to fans for the action but emphasized that such measures were necessary for the sport’s integrity.
