Charles Leclerc faces a potential penalty from the FIA for swearing during a press conference. The Monegasque driver let the word ‘fuck’ slip when asked about the final stages of the Mexican GP. Max Verstappen previously received a community service penalty for a similar offence. Leclerc immediately apologized after the incident: “Oh no, I don’t want the Max treatment,” he joked.
During the post-race press conference for the Mexican GP, a journalist asked Charles Leclerc about the moment he was overtaken by Lando Norris. The Ferrari driver ended up off the track and narrowly avoided a crash. “I thought, ‘fuck’,” Leclerc admitted. Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz pointed out his slip of the tongue with a chuckle. “Sorry,” responded a startled Leclerc. “Oh no, oh no, I don’t want the Max treatment.”
Appropriate Penalty?
Max Verstappen received a community service penalty during the race weekend in Singapore for using the word ‘fucked’ during a press moment. Leclerc now faces a similar penalty. A representative of the FIA spoke to him after the press conference, but it is still being investigated whether he will actually receive a penalty. The governing body has recently been cracking down on foul language. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to curb swearing on all fronts.
Multiple sources claim that Leclerc repeatedly apologized after the incident. It is therefore still uncertain whether he will actually be reprimanded. The drivers will soon have to discuss with the FIA how to discourage swearing in the future. According to George Russell, chairman of the Formula 1 drivers’ union, a suitable fine might be a good solution. Verstappen, meanwhile, still has to serve his community service penalty.
