Carlos Sainz denounces an excessive measure from the FIA: “We shouldn’t restrict our emotions on track.” His statement follows the FIA’s decision to tighten its tolerance regarding driver behavior.
The FIA wants to limit inappropriate language in F1, but this decision is ruffling many feathers. Carlos Sainz believes that imposing sanctions for swearing on the radio is excessive. While drivers should exercise restraint in press conferences, the FIA shouldn’t curb their spontaneity when they’re in the heat of the action on track.
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FIA Regulations deemed too strict
The FIA recently amended its Sporting Code to include penalties for remarks deemed inappropriate. This includes fines of up to €120,000 ($125,800), as well as points deductions or suspensions. WRC driver Adrien Fourmaux suffered the consequences, receiving a €10,000 fine for a simple swear during an interview. Moreover, that €10,000 (nearly $10,500) fine is doubled for F1 drivers. Carlos Sainz, who shared his opinion on the matter, would have faced a €20,000 ($21,000) penalty for the same infraction—a real injustice. When asked about this new rule, Sainz acknowledges that it is normal to maintain appropriate language during media interactions. But in his view, in-race radio is a completely different context. The adrenaline and pressure are such that censoring these exchanges would deprive the public of an authentic facet of F1.
A risk of losing the emotion of the sport, not only Formula 1
The Spaniard insists that emotion is an integral part of the spectacle. The live radio messages allow fans to feel the tension and intensity of race moments. “If it’s not an insult to someone, just a word spoken in the heat of the moment, I don’t see what the problem is,” he explains. Sainz compares this situation to soccer: “If you put a microphone on a pitch, you’d hear far worse!” He fears that F1 will lose its authenticity if the FIA further restricts drivers’ freedom on the radio. Already, live radio messages are filtered with a delay to mask certain remarks. Going further could make the exchanges artificial and sanitized.
We have to find a balance according to Sainz
For Carlos Sainz, the key is to differentiate between contexts. “We must be exemplary in press conferences, but not restrict our reactions on track.” He points out that drivers already have to work within strict team instructions and highly structured communication. Allowing a bit more spontaneity on the radio would bring transparency and excitement to the fans. In motorsports, radio is one of the only mediums where you can hear everything a driver says, regardless of the context.
This article explores the FIA’s new regulations on inappropriate remarks in F1 and Carlos Sainz’s reaction to these restrictions. It highlights the importance of preserving the authenticity of on-track communications and the challenge of balancing public image with raw emotion.
Images: © Williams Racing
