F1 News

Lewis Hamilton continues to back Max Verstappen in F1 swearing saga

Hamilton stands up for Verstappen again: 'They know it wasn't a good look'

17 October at 22:07

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association [GPDA] Director George Russell has confirmed a letter will be published, sharing the drivers' viewpoint on swearing. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1 acknowledged the swearing saga with Max Verstappen 'wasn't a good look' at the previous race weekend in Singapore. The Dutchman said the word 'f***ed' to describe his car's performance and picked up a community service penalty from the stewards as a result.

It became the biggest talking point during the Singapore weekend. Verstappen even held a protest during subsequent press conferences by hardly answering the questions from journalists. Hamilton even advised his rival not to carry out the penalty.

Has there been any conversation with the FIA about swearing since then?

At the time, Hamilton demonstrated his support for his 2021 title rival. In the United States, almost one full month after the Singapore Grand Prix, Hamilton was asked for an update on whether or not further conversations have been had.

"I don't believe there has. Amongst the drivers we've spoken about it. I'm sure we'll talk about it in the drivers briefing but there's no plans on anything at the moment," Hamilton reported. "But I think even for Formula 1, I think they know it wasn't a great look and they're probably looking at figuring something else out moving forward," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Russell has confirmed a letter will likely be made next week. "It does seem a little bit silly that it has come to this. We've yet to speak with the FIA as of yet, but we hope to do so probably next week, maybe in Mexico. Collectively we're all on the same page. Next week, we'll probably formally put something towards [the media] to read from the drivers as a united whole," Russell said in Austin.

"We don't want to be taking away the heat of the moment emotions that drivers show during a race, and I think it is down to maybe the broadcaster when it comes to the race to choose if they want to broadcast that or not. It is very challenging for the drivers when you have a microphone you're talking with your team, you're in the middle of battle, but equally if it's in a environment like [a press conference], maybe we have a duty just to be conscious of our words. Next week, we will probably collectively have a letter to share," Russell concluded.