Charles Leclerc may face consequences from the FIA after using the F-word in a post-race press conference following the Mexican Grand Prix. This comes after the FIA’s recent efforts to curb swearing among Formula 1 drivers, a rule reinforced by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem last month. The initiative aims to remind drivers of their responsibility to uphold professional conduct and language standards. Leclerc’s slip comes in the wake of a similar incident with Max Verstappen, who also used profanity publicly, resulting in a community service penalty.
The FIA’s crackdown began with Verstappen, who swore while discussing his car’s performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. As a consequence, he received a day of community service, though details of his specific tasks remain undisclosed. Verstappen reacted by limiting his responses in future FIA press conferences, opting instead to give more substantial interviews in the paddock. This subdued protest seemingly shifted attention away from the swearing issue, which has since been relatively quiet until Leclerc’s recent incident.
In Mexico, Leclerc found himself in a challenging position on track. Running second behind his teammate Carlos Sainz, he made a mistake on the final corner, narrowly avoiding a crash but ultimately finishing third. Reflecting on the high-stakes moment, he recounted his thoughts aloud to reporters, including his quick recovery from a double oversteer. During his account, however, he dropped an expletive before quickly apologizing, expressing concern about facing the same consequences as Verstappen.
Leclerc’s unexpected use of profanity drew a humorous response from teammate Sainz, who teased him about potential fines. However, after the press conference, Leclerc was seen speaking with an FIA official, indicating that the incident had caught the organization’s attention. The FIA has yet to make a decision on whether Leclerc will face disciplinary action similar to Verstappen’s penalty.
The potential charge against Leclerc falls under Article 12.2.1k of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which prohibits actions that harm the reputation or values of the FIA and motorsport in general. This article gives the FIA discretion to penalize drivers whose language or behavior may harm the sport’s image, meaning Leclerc’s brief lapse in language could have implications for his conduct both on and off the track.