Column
Brundle's double standard: Only Verstappen shouldn't swear
- Ludo van Denderen
With a raised finger, Martin Brundle lectured Max Verstappen last season: 'You are not allowed to swear or curse in public!' And now it is precisely that same Sky Sports commentator who deliberately insults someone this time. Double standards?
"I think we have a responsibility to control this swearing. Of course, in the heat of the moment, it happens, many of us swear like that, but gratuitous swearing, I don't think is necessary, and it doesn't look good for them.
"They (F1 drivers) are icons, champions, opinion formers, and they should think about the responsibility which comes with that privilege, especially with so many young fans watching. Nobody wants to take any energy, emotion, or freedom of speech out of it, but gratuitous swearing away from the heat of the moment is not necessary."
Both statements were made by Martin Brundle after Max Verstappen had used the word 'f***' during a press conference in Singapore. How bad that was! The British moralists tumbled over each other because swearing in public is really not acceptable. Children are watching too!
Double standards from Brundle
Apparently, this only applies to others, because Brundle has no problem at all with calling Elon Musk a "dick" on X. Unlike Verstappen's curse word in Singapore, this was not a slip of the tongue, but a clearly considered remark by Brundle; one he could have taken back after some reflection. But he did not, as the Tweet with the statement is still online. Martin, kids read this too!
What makes Brundle's statement even worse: Formula 1 and the FIA have been working hard for some time to reduce, and even eliminate, online abuse of drivers and officials. And then a commentator from the biggest broadcasting agency in the paddock - who undoubtedly gets his fair share of online abuse - now lets himself go against someone.
If Brundle wants to take others, like Max Verstappen, to task, then take a good look at yourself. After criticising the Red Bull driver several times about his behaviour, it is appropriate to take a good look in the mirror.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!