Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff says F1 ‘needs raw moments’ as the FIA and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen continue to abuse each other.
Max Verstappen has been ordered to carry out a day of community service after using the “F-word” during last Thursday’s Singapore Grand Prix press conference. Verstappen, on the other hand, remained silent during the post-qualifying and post-race press conferences and had more chatty conversations with the media outside of FIA oversight.
Mercedes F1 team boss Wolff understood the arguments of both sides, but stressed that F1 cannot risk losing its passion and personality.
“I think there is an argument that there should be no foul language or disrespect on the radio,” Wolff told the media.
“If it’s really bad, it’s disrespectful to the person on the other end of the line. There are people watching the show at home. Their families.”
“The F-word is a common word now, but I think it always depends on the context and how you say it. But we want to express an emotion. We want to express a raw moment.”
“I understand that pilots are in extreme conditions, but if we can alleviate that a little bit, I think it’s good for all of us.”
Wolff wonders if anyone listened to Verstappen’s press conference
“But I’m not necessarily banning the F-word. I think it’s a street term. There are worse words than that.”
Regarding the swearing at the FIA press conference, Wolff exclaimed that he thought “no one was listening” anyway.
“We’re all part of a traveling circus and we all know each other. I don’t think using the F-word in a press conference is the worst thing,” Wolff further explained.
“If we all have to adapt our language, including team leaders, we will try to respond in a more civil manner.”
Wolff reflected on his conflict with the FIA after a heated Friday press conference for last year’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Wolff, along with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, found themselves in trouble following a tense confrontation with the media after Carlos Sainz’s car was forced to leave the race due to a loose drainage cover.
“It was a really fun experience,” Wolff joked. “Fred and I were there at the same time. He was a little more worried.”
“I promised them, “This is the first time they’ve called me principal since I left school, and it will probably be the last time.”
Category: F1 / Mercedes F1
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