F1 News
Russell responds to harsh penalties for swearing: 'That's what a driver should do'
Hefty financial penalties, possibly even a race ban. The FIA has ruled that drivers can expect harsh penalties if they use inappropriate during official press sessions. So watch out Max Verstappen and co. George Russell, the president of the of F1 drivers association, reacts to the FIA's decision for the first time.
"As an individual, like I said last year, it's obviously going quite far with everything," Russell referred to the situation with Max Verstappen in Singapore, to GPblog, among other media present. The Red Bull Racing driver was given community service for using the word 'fucked' in an FIA press conference.
'Driver must be able to be himself'
Speaking at a press event in London, Russell went on to say regarding the new rules: "I think as drivers, you need to continue to show personality. I do think there's merit in saying there is no need to swear in an environment like this, but ultimately, especially for the guys, when English isn't their first language, the first thing you get taught are the swear words."
Russell himself cites how the first words he learned in Italian from his new teammate, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, were the swear words. After that, he thinks the subject has been discussed enough. "To be honest, I don't have much more to say on it than that."
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen.
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