By Shannon Walker

Formula One has become increasingly popular in the last few years with drive to survive exposing new people to the world of motorsport. Alongside the show has come a younger audience, now more kids are attending races and watching them live. This increase in popularity has caused the FIA (Fédération Internationale de L'Automobile) to rethink some of their rules. Now introduced is a swearing ban leaving some to question if these rule changes are the right course of action.

A first offence carries a £33,800 fine; a second offence a £67,600 fine and a one-month suspension while a third offence comes with a £101,000 fine and one-month ban. This means that with only a couple of words a driver could miss out on vital points and potentially ruin their chance at the championship.

Fans online have been outspoken on the rule, even proposing solutions to the swearing ban such as delayed radio transmissions so the swears can be censored. One fan on TikTok commented “the FIA is ruining the sport”, while others feel that they are targeting Redbulls driver Max Verstappen who has previously been punished for his language during a race. This punishment resulted in Verstappen striking briefly by refusing to speak during an official press conference before going outside to host his own with select journalists.

*George Russell and girlfriend Carmen by Alfonso Cannavacciuolo, Getty images*

Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff has endorsed the rule which many also believe has to do with the team's rivalry with Redbull. Wolff has previously expressed his concern with his own son picking up the language from the drivers.

There are some concerns that Wolff's comments may cause tension between him and one of his drivers George Russell. Russell is one of the directors of the GPDA (the Grand Prix Drivers Association) which is the trade union for F1 drivers; the union has previously organised many strikes for better working conditions.

The GPDA has stated that they wish to be treated like adults and said that although the drivers will follow the rules, they wish to collaborate in the future to make decisions that benefit both parties.

New FIA swearing ban