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FIA

FIA explains why Verstappen and Leclerc received different F-word punishments

The FIA has outlined why Charles Leclerc escaped with a fine for swearing in an official press conference and Max Verstappen did not.

Leclerc Verstappen
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

The FIA has detailed why Charles Leclerc received a lighter punishment to Max Verstappen for swearing during an official press conference over a grand prix weekend.

Both drivers used the F-word, with Verstappen's coming first, in the Thursday drivers' press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Dutchman was handed what is akin to community service for his indiscretion, something that provoked him to retaliate, limiting his answers for the rest of the weekend in Marina Bay and holding his own impromptu media huddles in the F1 paddock.

Meanwhile, Leclerc swore after finishing third in the Mexico City Grand Prix, over a month after the initial incident.

However, despite the apparent similarities between the cases, the Ferrari driver was only fined for his breach of conduct.

There appears to be a distinguishable difference in how the two drivers handled their respective slips of the tongue, which is central as to why the latter was not punished as severely as the former.

The reason from the official FIA stewards document for the decision is outlined below.

Reason provided by the FIA stewards for Leclerc's fine

The Stewards received a report from the FIA Media Delegate summons and heard from the driver of Car 16 (Charles Leclerc), team representative and reviewed the written transcript.

It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the World Championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport. This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in FIA Formula One World Championship.

The Stewards reviewed the transcript of the Post-Race Drivers’ Press Conference in Mexico and found that Charles Leclerc, the driver of car 16, used language in response to a somewhat leading question asking him “what did you say to yourself” in relation to the significant moment towards the end of the race when Leclerc was fighting to control the car at the exit of the last corner. In response Leclerc used coarse language being the accurate recollection of what he thought to himself at the time. Leclerc immediately realized his error and apologized.

Such language is not considered suitable for broadcast. This is “Misconduct” as defined in Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Article 12.2.1.k. The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group and that Leclerc immediately apologised.

During the hearing Leclerc expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgment

and shared that he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport.

The Stewards considered the mitigation factor that Leclerc was immediately apologetic. The Stewards while noting that the driver’s contrite behavior conclude that a breach has occurred and a penalty is warranted. The Stewards do not consider that this breach reached the same level as the most recent case and as such chose to levy a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended pending no repeat within 12 months.

The critical passage is the final paragraph, whereby the stewards deem Leclerc being immediately apologetic as the mitigating factor - and the reason for the difference in punishment.

As soon as Leclerc realised his error, he said: "Sorry! Oh no! Oh nooo! I don't want to join Max," whilst nervously laughing, which appears to be the key differentiator between the two drivers.

In fact, the stewards in Sao Paulo went as far as to refer to Verstappen's penalty, saying: "The Stewards do not consider that this breach reached the same level as the most recent case and as such chose to levy a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended pending no repeat within 12 months."

Conversely, the critical passage in the reason of the decision document for Verstappen's penalty is below for comparison.

Part of the Reason provided by the FIA stewards for Verstappen's punishment in Singapore

When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language. While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure. Verstappen apologized for his behaviour.

The Stewards note that significant fines have been levied for language offensive to or directed at specific groups. This is not the case here. But, as this topic has been raised before and is well known by the competitors, the Stewards determined to order a greater penalty than previously and that Verstappen be “obliged to accomplish some work of public interest” (Art. 12.4.1.d of the International Sporting Code), in co- ordination with the Secretary General for Sport of the FIA.

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    • https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/avatars_numbers/avatars_numbers_2024_mv.png

      patricia smith

      Another BS performance by FIA steward(s). It sure sounds as though someone has a "dislike" on for Verstappen!

      • https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/default.png

        Parrot sound Goulding

        10,000 dollars sounds rather a lot for the use of a 'rude' word. Personally, I should prefer to do community service.

  1. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/avatars_helmets/avatars_helmets_2024_sp.png

    BeniHana

    Yup, he was more apologetic therefor he gets a fine. This, and only this is why we get inconsistencies. If rules were applied without any such stupid distinctions then there would consistent application of rules breaches. Why bother have rules if you are going to only penalize the few. Shaking my head at a stupid ruling body.

    This comment has been edited on:

    • https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/avatars_numbers/avatars_numbers_2024_mv.png

      patricia smith

      The only reason Charles took his "F.." back was because he was afraid someone would punish him like Verstappen. He need not have worried - his "F" although in the same tone as Max's, was deemed less egregious than Verstappen's. This whole FIA/stewarding/rules .... becomes daily more nonsensical!!

  2. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/default.png

    Aberama Gold

    It's pretty obvious they didn't want to punish Charles, I don't understand why, but after giving him a lesser punishment you'd think they would've put more/some effort into making up their BS excuses. What they came up with was pathetic. I get that everyone's happy Max was finally _penalized properly/properly penalized (?)_ for the way he drives, but that doesn't mean everyone else gets a free ride or let off easy if they break the rules. Or does it? 🤔

  3. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/default.png

    Robsoto

    The FiA is biased alike the commentators from Skysports. Different drivers different rules.

  4. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/avatars_profiles/avatars_profiles_2024_fa.png

    flash

    It seems to have been overlooked that Seb Ogier WSR was also penalised for useing the same F word in the same week as Max. So that makes 3 World Championship Drivers with 3 different penalties for the same offence ?? The FIA at its best !!

    This comment has been edited on:

  5. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/default.png

    slawek-swiatek#24510

    All this Sky news comments please I am getting sick . Max is beast driver now and please no more Hamilton and Norris BS

  6. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/default.png

    Parrot sound Goulding

    10,000 dollars sounds quite a lot for a '****'. I would rather do community service.

    This comment has been edited by the editors.

  7. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/avatars_numbers/avatars_numbers_2024_mv.png

    patricia smith

    $10k would be a lot for me too, but don't forget his income is in the tens of millions, so just a drop in the bucket.

  8. https://cdn.racingnews365.com/Avatars/small/avatars_numbers/avatars_numbers_2024_cl.png

    Keith Ashman

    Try realising Max never uses decent language, certainly the swearing is the same but the context is different, Max does not care a damn, Charles does, not sure how that simple distinction cannot be understood.

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