Why Leclerc got a different penalty to Verstappen: The stewards explain

The cases were almost identical. Leclerc said the word "f**k" to describe a feeling when he went off the track in a battle with Lando Norris. Verstappen said the word "f***ed" to describe his car during a previous race weekend. Leclerc got a fine, half of which was suspended for 12 months, whereas Verstappen picked up a community service penalty.

Why did Leclerc and Verstappen get different punishments?

The FIA stewards have explained Leclerc had mitigating circumstances. "The Stewards reviewed the transcript of the Post-Race Drivers' Press Conference in Mexico and found that Charles Leclerc used language in response to a somewhat leading question asking him "what did you say to yourself" in relation to the significant moment towards the end of the race when Leclerc was fighting to control the car at the exit of the last corner," the stewards explained.

"In response Leclerc used coarse language being the accurate recollection of what he thought to himself at the time. Leclerc immediately realized his error and apologized. Such language is not considered suitable for broadcast. This is "Misconduct" as defined in Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Article 12.2.1.k. The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group and that Leclerc immediately apologised.

"During the hearing Leclerc expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgment and shared that he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport. The Stewards considered the mitigation factor that Leclerc was immediately apologetic. The Stewards while noting that the driver's contrite behavior conclude that a breach has occurred and a penalty is warranted. The Stewards do not consider that this breach reached the same level as the most recent case and as such chose to
levy a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended pending no repeat within 12 months," the report concluded.

Did Verstappen apologise?

Verstappen has been vocal in his disagreement with the penalty he received. He even launched a protest after the penalty was announced by hardly saying anything in the next press conference in Singapore and hosting his own meeting with the media outside. In the United States Grand Prix weekend, he continued to disapprove the situation. "I think it's very unnecessary. Of course, I know that you can't generally swear in context, but that's more, I think, related to when you insult someone. Then you hear comments, yeah, but you don't want kids seeing that. Well, when I was five years old, I never watched a press conference in my life anyway," Verstappen said.

In the stewards report for Verstappen's incident, the stewards did note the Dutchman apologised for his swearing as well. "When summoned to the Stewards the driver explained that the word used is ordinary in speech as he learned it, English not being his native language. While the Stewards accept that this may be true, it is important for role models to learn to be mindful when speaking in public forums, in particular when not under any particular pressure. Verstappen apologized for his behaviour," the stewards said in Singapore.