F1 Team Principals Wolff and Vasseur Warned for Inappropriate Language
Nov.11 - In a remarkable turn of events at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, both Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, and Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari, have received formal warnings from the FIA Stewards for using language deemed inconsistent with the values of the FIA.
The investigation into Wolff's comments began following a report by the FIA Media Delegate regarding his conduct during the Las Vegas GP FIA Press Conference on 16 November. After a thorough review, the Stewards found Wolff's language in violation of Article 12.2.1.f of the FIA International Sporting Code. The FIA emphasized that such language is unacceptable, especially from high-profile sport participants who are often considered role models by many, including younger fans. However, Wolff's defense noted that his remarks were out of character and a response to an unexpected interruption during the press conference. Acknowledging these mitigating factors, the Stewards issued a formal warning rather than a harsher penalty.
Similarly, Vasseur faced scrutiny for his language used during the same press conference. Like Wolff, Vasseur was found to have breached the same article of the FIA International Sporting Code. His comments, reportedly fueled by frustration and upset over an incident in FP1, were also seen as uncharacteristic. The Stewards, taking these circumstances into account, decided to issue a formal warning to Vasseur.
Both incidents highlight the FIA's increasing focus on maintaining professionalism and decorum within Formula 1, especially among its leading figures. The warnings serve as a reminder to all competitors and stakeholders in the sport that the FIA will not tolerate language that undermines its values and principles.
The decisions by the FIA Stewards are independent and based solely on the regulations and evidence presented. Competitors have the right to appeal these decisions in accordance with the relevant articles of the FIA International Sporting Code and the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules.
This development adds an intriguing layer to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, illustrating the intense pressures and responsibilities team principals face in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing.
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Hmmm, the F-word does it again...hahaha
IMO, the FIA is lucky Fred didn't bomb their paddock palace. Actually, watching the guys get after it during the interview was fun.
Over harmless word choices.
Fia are silly, rather than putting hands up and saying we got it wrong, the response is , oh your pissed at us are you thats a warning, on this the Fia haven't a leg to stand on , what are they going to do , ban team principals, it really is the silly season.........
The funniest part of this is before Christian lost it with the journo , he was whispering in FastFreddies ear, stay cool stay cool lol
Yeah Christian and Fastfreddy are really role models.... lol, in this how do i with Eddie Jordan was still a TP
Can you imagine the fia telling Enzo off for the way he spoke?
Imagine F1 without Ferrari and Mercedes.
Could it have something to do with the prudish US mindset...?
Except that the US has almost nothing to do with running the FIA. Mostly Euro, a bit Brit and of the course the sandman leader. Don't confuse the FIA with Liberty and FOCA.
Yes, your right and using faul language isn't very professional, if you ask me. Why is it that the FIA tisn't warning the drivers? They use the f-word in almost every sentence during the race on the radio... Saves a lot of beeps...
Again the rules are in the book , the fact the weak willed Fia choose not to enforce is anyones guess, perhaps the stewards could issue the drivers with a list of approved expletives for which country/region/continent they are in , yes thats a very sensible suggestion , expect it to come down as an Fia directive for 2024, Now a question for Ror , what are the harsher punishments the Fia say will come? and finally finally the words were deemed inconsistent with the values of the Fia, now you have to laugh, The Fia preaching against inconsistencies, pot and kettle comes to mind
Shrop', we have a sandman from the woodchipper region in charge. Is cutting out tongues in play?
‘ inconsistent with the values of the fia’ what like employing Ex cons previously banned for life for race fixing Flav.
Here we go. So the FIA are now Thought police as well.
Fucking Europeans and their flaccid constitutions. Don't you dare show you've got a spine, or dare to tell an idiot journo he's an idiot.
Hell no, the FIA will reward mediocrity in all it's vapid banal forms and punish those who cross their ever-lower thresholds of what's acceptable.
Piss-off.