F1 teams discuss swearing clampdown after weekend incidents

LONDON - Formula One teams have discussed the governing bodys clampdown on swearing after mixed responses to incidents in other series at the weekend.

Racing Bulls chief executive Peter Bayer told reporters ahead of an unprecedented 10-team launch in London that the subject had been a topic at a Formula One commission meeting on Feb 18 and saw progress.

The FIA published amendments to the sporting code in January 2024 to set out stiff sanctions for drivers who break the rules concerning conduct, including bad language.

A first offence in F1 now triggers a €40,000 (S$56,000) fine, rising to €80,000 for the second and €120,000 with a one-month suspension and deduction of championship points for a third breach.

I think we all agree we want to keep those emotions alive, Bayer said of drivers expressing themselves in colourful language over the radio.

We do have the beeping already from F1 with the delayed broadcast, which is probably taking care of a lot of the emotions.

Bayer cited recent cases in Formula E and world rallying as examples of how situations were likely to be dealt with.

British driver Dan Ticktum escaped punishment for an expletive-laden rant over the team radio in a Formula E race in Jeddah on Feb 14, with stewards ruling it was an internal discussion.

Hyundais French rally driver Adrien Fourmaux was handed a €10,000 fine, with another €20,000 suspended, in Sweden on Feb 16, however, for swearing in a live post-race broadcast interview.

That was the first time a driver has been punished under the new rules.

We want to have a clear briefing of what should be said and should not be said, said Bayer, whose teams two drivers Yuki Tsunoda and rookie Isack Hadjar have a reputation for lively radio communications.

But overall, I