Martin Brundle breaks silence on FIA’s new F1 swearing guidelines as one factor ‘does not really feel proper’
The FIA has introduced new rules for Formula 1 drivers ahead of the 2025 season, with the use of ‘coarse’ or ‘rude’ language – including swearing – now punishable by a ban
Martin Brundle has come out in support of the FIA’s new controversial sanctions for Formula One drivers.
As the 2025 F1 season approaches, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, have updated their International Sporting Code with fresh guidelines for steward punishments for certain driver infringements.
Included in these offences is causing “moral injury to the FIA” through criticism of the body or using “coarse” or “rude” language, which includes swearing. Repeat offenders will receive harsher penalties as a third strike within two years could hit them with a hefty fine upwards of £100,000.
As well as the financial punishment, sporting penalties have also been warned that a second breach prompts a suspended one-month ban, and a third could mean both enforced suspension and loss of World Championship points against the offender’s name.
Many voices within FIA ranks are reportedly unhappy with the updates, rumoured to have been rushed through by a swift e-vote without proper consultation with F1 stakeholders or drivers, who are likely to be seething after already voicing worries over the actions of FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem.
However, the FIA’s stance on swearing has been supported by former F1 driver and pundit Martin Brundle. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle backed the idea that racers should watch their language during press conferences and official engagements off-track.
“I think we’re role models, F1 drivers are role models. You don’t need to gratuitously swear in a press conference, in the heat of the moment, in the car, full of adrenaline, full of despair, happiness, whatever – I get it completely,” he said.
“I don’t personally… it doesn’t feel right to me. What I love about rugby is how they respect the referee, and I think F1 should be the same. You’re role models for all the drivers coming through, so if you’re dirty on track, or you’re cheating the track limits, or calling the FIA stewards ‘stupid idiots’ to give you one example.
“There are degrees of this and how heavy-handed you want to be is a whole new story. But I don’t mind there being some rules for our F1 drivers who are great kids, being role models. I’m calm with that.”
Brundle’s reference to “stupid idiots” is aimed at Max Verstappen’s outburst at last December’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he labelled the stewards as such over the radio after receiving a penalty for a collision with Oscar Piastri on the first lap.
The Red Bull driver escaped punishment on that occasion, but it was his foul language that sparked the drivers’ swearing dispute with the FIA in Singapore earlier in the season. He received a community service-style penalty for using the F-word during a press conference and responded by refusing to fully participate in FIA-run media sessions for weeks.
