Wolff makes shock admission amid Verstappen FIA row…More
Wolff makes shock admission amid Verstappen FIA row
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has surprisingly backed FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the ongoing dispute over driver swearing in Formula 1, which recently embroiled Max Verstappen.
The controversy began during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, where the FIA announced penalties for drivers using foul language.
Verstappen immediately defied the rule by swearing during a press conference, resulting in a punishment.
In response, the Dutchman boycotted official press conferences and opted to speak to the media independently.
As part of his penalty, Verstappen completed a community service assignment in Kigali, Rwanda, where he engaged with young members of the Rwanda Automobile Club.
Despite the tensions, Ben Sulayem’s stance on the issue has gained unexpected support from Wolff, who revealed the impact such language has had on his own family.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Wolff shared that his seven-year-old son, an avid go-karting fan, recently repeated foul language he had heard from F1 drivers.
“It’s the first time he said, ‘what the f***,’ and I asked him where he heard it. He said, ‘from the drivers.’”
Wolff, while acknowledging his disagreements with Ben Sulayem on other matters, expressed firm support for stricter controls on drivers’ language.
He emphasized the role of drivers as influential figures, noting that their words are broadcasted widely.
“They are role models,” Wolff said. “If you translate ‘f***’ into another language, it’s pretty rude.
I would never say that on the radio.”
The incident highlights the growing scrutiny on F1 drivers as public figures and the FIA’s efforts to uphold professionalism, despite ongoing debates about the limits of such regulations.
About The Author
