Toto Wolff calls for a “civilized” solution to the FIA ​​swearing-in debate about Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff, who himself was dragged before the FIA ​​commissioners for swearing, says Formula 1 could be more “civilized”, but he still wants “wild moments” on the track.

A torrent of swearing is raging in Formula 1 after FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem issued a ban on swearing and warned drivers that they could face penalties if they swear over team radio.

Toto Wolff: But if we could tone it down a little bit…

He said he understood that drivers were “in the heat of the moment,” but added: “We have to be careful with our behavior. We have to be responsible people.”

And then Max Verstappen swore at a press conference, using the word “f—ed” during the drivers’ press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix on Thursday.

The Red Bull driver was found guilty by the FIA ​​race stewards of violating the International Sporting Code and sentenced to “perform a work of public interest” as punishment.

Verstappen protested during his next FIA press conference by giving only very brief answers and then telling journalists: “I would prefer if you asked these questions outside the room.”

Verstappen is not the first person to be hauled before the race control for insulting Wolff. Fred Vasseur also received official warnings when he used the F-word during the team boss’s press conference on Friday in Las Vegas last year.

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Although the Mercedes team boss believes that tirades on the radio should be stopped, he does not want the drivers’ feelings and personalities to be hurt.

“I went to Las Vegas last year to see the stewards and it was quite a pleasant experience,” he joked to the media in Singapore. “Fred and I were there at the same time. He was a bit more worried.”

“I told them it was the first time since school that I had been called to see the principal, and I promise you it will be the last time.

“That being said, I think there’s an argument to be made that loud swearing and rude behavior on the radio is not something that should happen. If it’s so bad that it’s disrespectful, then on the other side of the line are the people at home watching it, the family of the people you know.

“The F-word is now ubiquitous in everyday language, but it is always the context that defines it. We want emotion, we want genuine moments and we understand that the drivers are in a state of extremes.

“But if we can tone it down a little, I think that’s good for all of us. However, I wouldn’t necessarily ban the F-word because I think there are worse things.”

He added: “I don’t think anyone listens to the FIA ​​press conference anyway. They don’t write about it. So I think there are some. Am I wrong in saying that?

“I don’t think there’s a big audience. We’re the group. We’re all part of the traveling circus, we know each other and I don’t think it’s the worst thing to put all that effort into a press conference.”

“But OK, if we have to adapt, we all have to adapt our language, including the team leaders, then we will take a closer look. That way it is more civilized.”

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