Support for controversial FIA decision: 'Precedent somewhat sensible'
F1 News
James Vowles now sees that a precedent has been set by the FIA about swearing over the team radio. The team principal remains on the same page in terms of saying such words, and understands that should not happen in a calm environment.
According to the team principal, it is more than understandable to swear over the team radio. "When you’re in the car and you’re asking some of the most incredible elite athletes in the world to put their life on the line, I think being aware that they may use language that’s sensitive at the time is expected."
Over the previous Formula E weekend in Saudi Arabia, the former development driver of Williams Racing, Dan Ticktum, did have a minute and a half long rant when he said around 10 swear words over the radio, but he did not receive a penalty.
On the other hand, at press events, a different verdict was already made by the FIA. The same weekend Ticktum was not penalised, World Rally Championship driver Adrien Formaux received a €10,000 fine and a suspended fine of a further €20,000 for using inappropriate language during a television interview, when he said they 'f***ed up'.
Vowles also sees that there is a difference between swearing during a tough battle on track and also when a press conference or interview is taking place. "There was a different matter to setting how we want us to be on a world stage in a calm environment. So, I think the precedent that they’re going for is a somewhat sensible," he concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Kimberly Hoefnagel
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