 "F1 stars Max Verstappen, George Russell react to FIA's new rules on swearing and misconduct: 'It’s going quite far'")
Defending Formula One world champion Max Verstappen isn’t a fan of the FIA’s new sporting code, especially their rules on swearing, and neither is British racer George Russell. Verstappen and Russell, who happens to be one of two directors of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), expressed their views on the contentious topic at the F1 75 season launch at the O2 in London.
In the 2025 International Sporting Code announced by the FIA last month, the Paris-based global governing body for automobiles and motorsport has expanded the range of punishment for swearing and other forms of misconduct beyond community service and fines.
Explained | Why has Max Verstappen threatened to quit Formula 1
According to the new guidelines published on 22 January, drivers can now lose championship points for misconduct, either during a race or at press conferences. The new rules give race stewards more authority when it comes to punishing drivers in the 2025 F1 season and beyond.
“Umm yeah I prefer not to speak about that, it might get me into trouble, so it’s better not to answer that,” Verstappen quipped during the F1 75 press conference. The Dutchman, who races for Red Bull Racing, had boycotted FIA’s press conference in Singapore last year and organised his own interaction with reporters at the paddock.
Saying hello to the 2025 season 👋#F175LIVE || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/A5eBlmzwkH
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) February 18, 2025
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More ShortsMercedes driver Russell, meanwhile, felt the FIA had gone “quite far” with their new rules.
“As an individual it’s going quite far with everything,” the 27-year-old said at the event.
“Ultimately, especially for the guys where English isn’t their first language, the first thing you get taught are the swear words.
“All the Italian words he’s (Kimi Antonelli) teaching me are the swear words, so I don’t really know to be honest,” the Briton added.
Russell, however, added that there was no need for drivers to swear at press conferences, and felt the FIA was justified in penalising drivers on that front.
“As drivers we do show personality but I do think there is merit and no need to swear in an environment like this (press conference),” Russell added.
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