The use of foul language has been normalized to the point that it is not seen as impolite behavior. However, Formula 1 and the FIA have recently taken action against this kind of misconduct. During a recent press conference in Las Vegas, Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, and Frederic Vasseur, his Ferrari counterpart, found themselves in a heated exchange that led to formal warnings from the stewards.
The stressful moments began when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari was damaged by a faulty water valve cover, causing the postponement of the first practice session. Vasseur was visibly upset about the harm to Sainz’s car and vented, “We f***** up the session for Carlos and he won’t be part of FP2, that’s for sure, because we have to change the chassis and set up the car. The show is the show and everything is going well but it’s unacceptable for F1 today.”
🚨 | Fred Vasseur and Toto Wolff receive a “formal warning” for swearing last week in Vegas.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) November 23, 2023
While answering a question from a journalist on the possible effect on F1’s reputation, Wolff was interrupted by another journalist who questioned his justification for the incident. Wolff expressed his annoyance and said, “It’s completely ridiculous, completely ridiculous. FP1 – how can you even dare trying to talk bad about the event that sets the new standards, new standards to everything. And then you’re speaking about a drain ****ing cover that’s been undone.”
By taking into account the circumstances, the stewards spared more serious penalties for both team principals.
Ferrari challenges FIA citing Max Verstappen’s controversial first win
Ferrari is of the opinion that Formula 1 and FIA should be enforcing their laws with greater firmness and consistency while highlighting the value of providing clarity on specific restrictions. John Elkann, the chairman of Ferrari, stated that he thought the FIA needed to issue more comprehensive guidelines about Formula 1 rules.
Good morning to Ferrari chairman John Elkann only. pic.twitter.com/PwPXTge6Sf
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) November 23, 2023
According to Elkann, “Being able to define clarity on rules and applications is important. You don’t want things to happen like the 2021 championship, how that ended up. You don’t want to have situations like the ones here in Vegas, where you get penalized 10 places [through no fault of your own, referring to Carlos Sainz’s penalty].” This was in reference to the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 and how the Spanish driver was penalized for the incident that occurred in Vegas.
He pointed out the event in which Verstappen and race leader Lewis Hamilton’s cars were the only ones permitted to un-lap themselves. The former passed Hamilton on the last lap to win his first-ever race. Elkann complimented Red Bull on their outstanding effort, but he suggested that it would be worrying if other teams found it difficult to close the gap.