Formula One drivers have been warned to cut out the swearing after Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen turned the air blue in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Following Raikkonen’s victory, and with Vettel finishing third, both drivers were interviewed by former F1 driver and current BBC pundit David Coulthard on the podium at the Yas Marina circuit.
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Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel used expletives during interviews in the aftermath of the Abu Dhabi GP on Sunday
Both the 32-year-old Finn andu00a025-year-old German used very strong expletives as they summed up their feelings, resulting in the FIA reminding the drivers of their responsibilities when it comes to speaking to the media, particularly when taking part in a live broadcast, as was the case on Sunday.
A friendly letter from the FIA has been issued to all 12 teams’ communications directors regarding the use of bad language, for them in turn to address the issue with their drivers.
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel
The letter states it is “very much our collective responsibility to make sure drivers are aware such language has no place during media events”.
It adds that it “shines an unwelcome beam of adverse publicity on their teams and sponsors, the sport and FIA”.u00a0Motor sport’s governing body say they are mindful of the fact that “in the ‘heat of battle’, adrenaline, elation and disappointment make for a dangerous and heady mix”.
The letter adds: “But F1 drivers are not the only ones being interviewed in such conditions: I think of boxers, rugby and football players who are routinely interviewed live on television after a gruelling sporting effort. They manage to avoid inappropriate language.”
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