Source:REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
[Saba Sports News] FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem hopes to see a reduction in foul language among Formula 1 drivers and wants broadcasting company FOM to limit the airing of programs containing profanity in international broadcasts. In a previous driver press conference, Max Verstappen used the word “fucked” to describe his team, violating international sports regulations and was subsequently penalized by race officials, requiring him to participate in a day of community service. Following this, Verstappen refused to fully answer reporters’ questions at a press conference and revealed that this situation might lead him to exit F1 early. In response, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner conducted crisis management, suggesting that the FIA could have handled Verstappen’s foul language controversy “a bit differently,” citing the late Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip as an example who once told photographers to “take a fucking photo.” Horner stated that all drivers are role models but suggested that perhaps a slightly different approach could be taken regarding language used in everyday life to avoid any awkwardness.