Lando Norris, a prominent figure in Formula 1, agrees with his title rival, Max Verstappen, that swearing while driving is part of the sport. Norris, a McLaren driver, emphasizes that coarse language is often used due to the intense situations on the track. However, he believes it’s up to the organization to decide what is and isn’t broadcasted. Recently, Verstappen was penalized with community service for swearing during a press conference.
“They could simply choose not to broadcast the on-board radios,” suggested Norris. “We, as drivers, are in the heat of the battle, under stress, under pressure, fighting, and sometimes resulting in severe crashes. It’s easy for the FIA to say that we shouldn’t swear, but they aren’t the ones with an elevated heart rate sitting in the car.”
‘Consider Watching Another Sport’
“We all race with passion,” Norris continued. “So there will always be swearing – it’s part of doing your best and being disappointed when things don’t go well. This happens in every sport, but it’s not always recorded.”
Max Verstappen expressed similar thoughts during a press conference on Friday. “If the car is messed up, I should be able to say that,” said the Dutchman. This statement earned him a community service order not long after.
“The FOM chooses to broadcast it, so I think it’s their responsibility,” Norris explained. “I don’t think swearing should be banned. As a viewer, you are simply witnessing the raw emotions of drivers, their thoughts and feelings. If you don’t want to hear that, you should consider watching another sport.”
