After Leclerc penalty

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Charles Leclerc was penalized in Mexico.(Bild: BENJAMIN CREMEL)

The dispute between the Formula 1 drivers and the FIA is escalating. After Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was recently fined 5,000 euros plus a further 5,000 euros suspended for using an expletive in the press conference after the Mexican Grand Prix, the drivers are defending themselves against this and similar sanctions on behalf of the drivers' union.

"There is a difference between swearing that is intended to insult others and more casual swearing that could be used to describe bad weather or an inanimate object such as an F1 car or a driving situation, for example," reads a post on social media.

FIA boss under fire
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem is directly addressed and admonished in the statement. "We call on the FIA President to also reconsider his own tone and language when speaking to or about our drivers. Our members are adults who do not need to be instructed through the media about such trivial matters as wearing jewelry and underpants," it continued.

In the past, the FIA race management has repeatedly intervened in these issues, which has caused great resentment. For example, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel wore his underpants over his racing suit in Miami in 2022 as an expression of protest.

What happens to the money?
The drivers are also asking for more transparency in order to find out where the fines go. By going public, they are hoping for constructive cooperation to resolve the disputes.