Charles Leclerc has been fined €10,000 for swearing during the post-race press conference in Mexico City.

The stewards received a report from the FIA Media Delegate and heard from the Ferrari driver, his team representative and reviewed the written transcript of the press conference.

They reviewed the transcript of the post-race press conference and found that Leclerc used language in response to a somewhat leading question asking him "what did you say to yourself" in relation to the significant moment towards the end of the race when he was fighting to control the car at the exit of the last corner.

In response Leclerc used coarse language being the accurate recollection of what he thought to himself at the time. He immediately realized his error and apologized.

Such language is not considered suitable for broadcast. This is "Misconduct" as defined in Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Article 12.2.1.k.

The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group and that Leclerc immediately apologised.

During the hearing he expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgment and shared that he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport.

The stewards considered the mitigation factor that Leclerc was immediately apologetic and though noting the driver's contrite behaviour concluded that a breach had occurred and a penalty was warranted.

The stewards did not consider that this breach reached the same level as the most recent case and as such chose to levy a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended pending no repeat within 12 months.

It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the World Championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport. This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in FIA Formula One World Championship.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by itc, 02/11/2024 19:47

"Fork me, that's 1250 Euros per letter even if he's a good boy for a whole year!"

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2. Posted by Anthony, 02/11/2024 11:39

"So in addition to considering the words themselves the FIA now consider the “level” of the incident. There are many important matters for the FIA to consider (e.g. how to arrange the steward function at F1 races) and focusing on fairly trivial matters undermines the FIA’s standing. "

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3. Posted by Steve 666, 02/11/2024 9:11

"How pathetic the FIA are becoming.
Our TV programmes are stuffed with unnecessary swearing put in for effect, we have footballers shown disgusting spitting but now one spontaneous expletive is punished, I think there are more important things for the FIA to address."

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4. Posted by Kkiirmki, 02/11/2024 6:53

"How does the FIA determine what language is the "generally accepted standards"? From my experience, more people probably swear, or don't care if people do, than not. This also seems to be backed up by statistics, with swearing even having a number of health benefits. So, surely those drivers who don't swear, should be the ones getting fined?"

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5. Posted by kenji, 02/11/2024 3:33

"Enter your comment here This has now been elevated to the realm of 'ridiculousness'. The 'F' word now has degrees of impact....Every driver should band together for a group F word shout out!!! "

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6. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 02/11/2024 0:48

"Max had the right idea, all drivers should stop talking on FIA time and just conduct their own interviews without them."

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7. Posted by Burton, 02/11/2024 0:13

"To steal a line from K-Mag, if I was fined 10 thousand euros I would disappear never to be seen again."

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8. Posted by ian_w, 01/11/2024 22:56

"After hearing the news.of LeClerc's fine, Verstappen shouted, "WTF?""

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Leclerc fined €10,000 for swearing

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