Leclerc, sanctioned for swearing

Charles Leclerc HE He forgot for a moment about the FIA ​​prosecuting any bad words from drivers in press conferences. The subconscious tricked him last weekend, during a press conference at the Mexican F1 GP. AND A week later, the trustees punished him.

Max Verstappen swore at the Singapore GP press conference and for this reason the FIA ​​punished him with the obligation to carry out “community work” in relation to the highest body of international motorsport. A few weeks later, Charles Leclerc was close to joining Max Verstappen, but the Monegasque had a quick reaction.

It happened at the Mexican GP. In a press conference, Leclerc said the following: “I had oversteer, and when I got that oversteer back I oversteer in the other direction, and then it was like…’fuck.'” He quickly opened his eyes with an expression that explained that he realized his mistake. “Sorry, oh no, no, no… I don’t want to go with Max.”he said between laughs, regretting that swearing, but in Mexico there is no punishment for Charles.

A few days later, Verstappen recalled in a press conference that other drivers had sworn. and that they were not allowed, with clear reference to Leclerc. “I won’t use the word I think because I’m sure they’re going to punish me, and it’s like they’re only punishing me because I’ve heard swear words in Mexico and there are no punishments, they’re for me…”said Max. And immediately after, The FIA ​​chose to punish Leclerc.

This time, however, Charles did not have to do community service because of his prompt apology. In return, he was fined 10,000 euros, 5,000 of which was suspended unless Leclerc breaches these regulations again in the next 12 months.

The FIA’s statement on Leclerc’s fine, in full:

“The Stewards received a call report from the FIA ​​Media Delegate and listened to the driver of car 16 (Charles Leclerc), the team representative and reviewed the written transcript. It is FIA policy to ensure that the language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, follows generally accepted standards for all viewers and broadcasts In particular, this applies to statements made by participants in the World Championships and which continue inside and outside the sport is clear in FIA regulations and reinforced in previous cases brought to the stewards of the FIA ​​Formula One World Championship.”

“The stewards reviewed the transcript of the post-race press conference of the drivers in Mexico and discovered that Charles Leclerc, the driver of car 16, used language in response to a somewhat misleading question in which he was asked ” What you said to yourself? in relation to the significant moment at the end of the race where Leclerc struggled to control the car on the exit of the final corner at that moment, Leclerc immediately realized his mistake and apologized.”

“This type of language is not considered appropriate for broadcasting. It is ‘improper conduct’ as defined in Article 20 of the International Sports Code and constitutes a violation of Article 12.2.1.k. The Stewards Noted they that the language was not taught to anyone or any group and that Leclerc immediately apologized.”

“During the hearing, Leclerc expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgment with the stewards and shared that he understands his responsibility as a role model for the sport.

The stewards viewed the fact that Leclerc immediately apologized as mitigation. “The stewards, while considering the driver’s conduct, concluded that a violation had occurred and that a penalty was warranted.”

“The commissioners did not consider that this offense rose to the same level as the most recent case and, therefore, they choose for the imposition of a fine of 10,000 euros with 5,000 euros suspended until it is repeated within 12 months.”