Bearman finds reason to avoid harsh FIA punishment: 'I can't afford it'

Oliver Bearman has highlighted a considerable point of contention within the controversial new swearing rules introduced by the FIA.

The Haas racer, who is embarking on his first full season in F1, has claimed he "can't afford to swear" given the severity of the financial punishments now levied against drivers for using expletives, with rookies generally the worst-paid in F1.

Following the introduction of stewards' penalty guidelines into the governing body's international sporting code (ISC) for the 2025 season, on issues such as swearing and speaking out against the FIA, drivers can now be hit by considerable fines for indiscretions.

Further still, repeat offenders face bans and championship points deductions. There is also a power of ratio that will see F1 drivers fined four times as much as those competing in the lowest rank of FIA championships.

It means Bearman would be hit with a €40,000 punishment for using foul language, a threat that appears all the more real after WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux became the first to be sanctioned under the strict new rules.

Swearing grew into a contentious issue in the F1 paddock in the closing stages of the 2024 season, after Max Verstappen was punished for using the F-word in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.

When asked for his take on the situation, Bearman shared his optimism a compromise could be struck, despite the inherent danger for him.

"I certainly can't afford to swear, so that's a good start," the 19-year-old told media including RacingNews365.

"But of course, it is a big topic of the off season, this new rule that's come into play, and I'm sure we're going to find a way to make all parties happy and figure something out."

Bearman on joining GPDA

The rule change overall will be a considerable point of discussion for the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA) heading into the new season, and the British driver is pleased to be involved in those conversations.

"It's nice to have a bit of say in what's going on with the GPDA," Bearman explained.

"There's a lot of discussions going on about various topics, and it's nice to feel like we have a bit of a say in what's going on - compared to what I'm used to in F2, that's a very big change - but we're working hard to figure a few things out. So, yeah, getting there."