JUST IN: Formula One drivers are told to stop swearing over the radio after Max Verstappen’s furious… Read More
Formula One drivers are told to stop swearing over the radio after Max Verstappen’s furious… Read More
Formula One drivers have been urged to tone down their language over team radios following Max Verstappen’s profanity-laced outburst at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The incident occurred during a frustrating race for the Red Bull driver, which culminated in a late-race collision with Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen, clearly unhappy with his team’s strategy, vented his anger at his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, saying, “No mate, don’t give me that s*** now. You guys gave me this s*** strategy, OK? I’m trying to rescue what’s left.”
This outburst and others like it have prompted Formula One’s leadership to address the issue of swearing over the team radios, which are broadcast live to audiences. According to a report from *The Times*, Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali has communicated to team bosses that drivers need to be more mindful of their language during races, reminding them that these exchanges are often transmitted to the public in real-time.
Currently, Formula One does not impose fines or penalties for inappropriate language over the radio unless it is deemed excessively offensive. However, Domenicali’s reminder emphasizes the need for professionalism and self-awareness, considering the global audience tuning in.
Verstappen, meanwhile, has remained defiant in response to the backlash. He acknowledged his passionate nature and drive for success, stating, “[If] people don’t like my language, then don’t listen in, turn the volume down.” The Dutchman insisted that he’s always focused on optimizing performance and sees no issue with expressing himself during the heat of competition. “People can argue that I might not be so vocal on the radio, but that’s their opinion,” he added.
The reigning world champion also made it clear that he doesn’t feel the need to apologize to his team for his radio messages. Verstappen believes the focus should be on improving performance rather than dwelling on what is said during the race. “I don’t think we need to apologize, I think we just need to do a better job,” he remarked. He also dismissed the notion that drivers should restrain themselves from being vocal on the radio, suggesting that those who are uncomfortable with such exchanges should simply avoid tuning in. “This is a sport. If some people don’t like that, then stay home,” Verstappen concluded.
Lewis Hamilton, who was involved in the incident with Verstappen, took the situation in stride. Reflecting on their late-race battle, he admitted to finding some humor in the intensity of the situation. “Obviously, the close battle we had at the end was a bit hair-raising, but that’s motor racing,” Hamilton said. He added that it wasn’t nerve-wracking for him, and he found himself laughing at how rapidly Verstappen closed the gap on certain corners, a move that Hamilton couldn’t replicate.
Despite the fallout from the Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s focus remains on the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. However, his challenges are far from over as he faces a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his engine allocation for the season. The penalty will undoubtedly make his quest for victory at Spa-Francorchamps more difficult, but Verstappen will be determined to overcome the setback and continue his dominant season.
This incident highlights the emotional intensity of Formula One, where the stakes are incredibly high, and every decision can impact the outcome of a race. While the language used by drivers may spark debate, it is also a reminder of the passion and pressure that define the sport.
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