George Russell makes 'authentic' plea to FIA after recent F1 clampdown

George Russell has called on the FIA to allow F1 drivers to be "as authentic as possbile" as the debate around swearing continues.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is keen to see a reduction in driver swearing, with new rules being introduced for the 2025 season that could lead to a driver being banned or deducted points if enough offences are committed.

Talks between the parties involved has created something of a compromise heading to the season-opener in Australia, where driver swearing over radio traffic when they are out on track will not be punished, but any swearing in media interviews or press conferences will be. 

It was Max Verstappen in the pre-2024 Singapore press conference who first ignited the debate around swearing, hours after Ben Sulayem had signalled his intention to crackdown on poor language.

Reflecting on the situation, GPDA director Russell believes the situation has "got out of hand", but does agree with the basic point being put forward by the FIA president.

"Things have gone a little bit out of hand in the recent months with some of the things that have been going on," Russell told BBC Sport.

"Not only are we racing drivers, we're personalities, and if you are an individual who wants to swear as much as you like, that has a certain impact on your brand and your perception regardless of the FIA getting involved.

"There's times and a place. You have to ensure that our emotions stay real and true, especially when it comes to the (in-car) radio, and potentially an interview straight after the race. That's what's so pure about it.

"If you're talking on a Thursday afternoon in front of a number of people, maybe swearing is not really necessary or required. 

"But when it comes to that raw emotion, you need to let us be as authentic as possible."