Carlos Sainz Jr has spoken out about the FIA’s stricter language rules. The Spaniard advocates for a distinction between what drivers say in official interviews and how they express themselves over the team radio. According to him, Formula 1 risks losing its raw emotion if the FIA goes too far.
‘We should be able to control ourselves in the media’
At the presentation of the new Williams FW47, Sainz indicated that he finds it logical for drivers to behave professionally during press conferences and interviews. “As Formula 1 drivers, we should be able to control ourselves there. Children are watching us, so it’s only normal that we use decent language,” he explained. Whether fines are really necessary, the Spaniard has his doubts. “I have always been in favor of being polite and articulate in front of the camera, but the FIA should not go overboard with this control,” he said.
‘Radio Communication is Pure Emotion’
Charles Leclerc believes that banning expletives and swear words during team radio communications is a step too far. “In the car, we experience extreme pressure and adrenaline. The radio is a moment where you hear the pure emotion of a driver. If that is curtailed, we lose an important part of the sport.”
The FIA has already taken measures some time ago to broadcast radio messages with a short delay, so that swear words can be filtered out. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem even recently hinted that he does not rule out the possibility that live team radios may completely disappear in the future.
Leclerc made a comparison with other sports: “Put a microphone on a football field and listen to what is being said there.” According to him, it’s precisely the passion and unrestrained reactions that make Formula 1 attractive. “We are already limited in what we can say about our teams and strategies. Let us at least speak freely over the radio. Sometimes I let myself go, but that’s exactly what gives Formula 1 character. You shouldn’t destroy that.”
