The FIA is debating whether to punish Charles Leclerc for swearing during his post-race press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday.
Leclerc immediately apologized after swearing while describing the moment he lost second place to McLaren’s Lando Norris in the final stages of the race.
The incident comes less than a month after world championship leader Max Verstappen was handed the equivalent of a community service order by F1 organizers for swearing at a Singapore Grand Prix press conference.
Leclerc said of the moment he narrowly avoided a major collision but passed Norris: ****’.”
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Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made a huge mistake allowing Lando Norris to overtake him but avoided a crash at the Mexico City GP.
Leclerc immediately apologized for his indiscretion, adding: “Oh, sorry! Oh, no, no! I don’t want to join Max.”
Sky Sports News understands the FIA is investigating the incident, with a decision ahead of Thursday’s media day for this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.
Leclerc could be seen as having breached the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which could result in only a reprimand or more serious punishment such as a fine or community service order.
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Max Verstappen took part in a surprising press conference after qualifying in Singapore, refusing to answer questions comprehensively after swearing.
It is understood that Leclerc’s immediate regret over the incident could be viewed more leniently than when he swore in Singapore before explaining why he did not think Verstappen’s use of profanity was a major issue.
Verstappen’s abusive behavior continued after that. The Dutchman declined to give a full answer at an official press conference or confirm whether he would be punished.
The debate over swearing initially arose when FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said there should be less swearing by drivers over team radios during races, and that competitors in the sport could do their own part by using cleaner language. It was triggered.
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Highlights of the Mexico City Grand Prix held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Verstappen has received support from several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who said his once fierce rival should not have had to deal with the penalty.
The topic was discussed by 20 sports drivers at a meeting in Mexico on Friday and a statement on the matter is expected in the near future.
Live Sao Paulo GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
Thursday, October 31
4 p.m.: Driver press conference
Friday, November 1
2:00 PM: Sao Paulo GP Practice 1 (session starts at 2:30 PM)
4:30 PM: Team leader press conference
6:00 PM: Sao Paulo GP Sprint Qualifying (Qualifying starts at 6:30 PM*)
Saturday, November 2nd
1pm: Sao Paulo GP sprint build-up
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Sprint
3:30 PM: Ted’s sprint notes
5pm: Preparing for the Sao Paulo qualifiers
6pm: Sao Paulo GP qualifying
8 p.m.: Ted’s Qualifying Notes
Sunday, November 3
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5 p.m.: Sao Paulo Grand Prix
7pm: Checkered flag: Sao Paulo GP reaction
8 p.m.: Ted’s Notes
*It will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1’s Americas triple-header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with all sessions broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. There is no contract and you can cancel at any time.
