George Russell speaks out against FIA swearing ban: “Out of hand”

Mercedes driver George Russell has spoken about the rising tensions between Formula 1 drivers and the FIA. This comes after the governing body’s crackdown on verbal misconduct, which includes swearing.

Russell has described this as “unnecessary” and indicative of a governance that has maybe “gone a little bit out of hand.” 

The FIA’s 2025 International Sporting Code changes bring substantial penalties, including fines up to €40,000 and even eventual race bans for repeat offences. An FIA spokesperson said the following on the additions:

“The aim of this new appendix is to provide clear guidance to stewards regarding the penalties for violations of specific international sporting code articles.

“By establishing a more structured framework, the FIA seeks to ensure that penalties are applied uniformly and transparently, benefiting both stewards and drivers/competitors.

“Stewards have the authority to decide what penalty to enforce in the event of a breach of the international sporting code and/or the applicable FIA regulations.

“Stewards retain the discretion to take into account any mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances as well as the nature and location of the event, to tailor the penalty to the specific situation.”

In November 2024, Russell, also the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, admitted that drivers were getting “fed up”.

“We recognise everybody’s working as hard as they can to do the best job possible,” he told Sky Sports F1. “There is obviously a huge amount of change within the FIA quite regularly, so it’s clearly not the most stable of places.

“And maybe that’s why it’s been a bit challenging to get some of the changes that we’ve wanted implemented. Of course, everyone has their own side to their own story.

“I think if we feel that we’re being listened to and some of the changes that we are experiencing, requesting, are implemented, because ultimately we’re only doing it for the benefit of the sport, then maybe our confidence will increase.

 “But, I think there’s a number of drivers who feel probably a bit fed up with the whole situation. And it only seems to be going in, to a degree, the wrong direction.”

Now, discussing the topic with BBC Sport, he has further pushed back against the new regulations, adding that it limits the authenticity of the personalities involved in the sport.

“Things have gone a little bit out of hand in the recent months with some of the things that have been going on. Not only we’re racing drivers, we’re personalities, and if you are the 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.”