Johnny Herbert holds hope that “common sense prevails” if a further instance of drivers swearing occurs at this weekend’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
The topic of drivers using harsh language has been brought sharply into focus in the last month, with Max Verstappen becoming the first F1 star to fall foul of the re-worded FIA International Sporting Code in Singapore.
The reigning World Champion was given a one-day community service penalty by the sport’s governing body for describing his Red Bull as “f**ked” in a press conference.
Verstappen later refused to give articulated responses in a further press conference, later speaking to the media on his own terms in Red Bull’s hospitality suite at the Marina Bay Circuit.
But former F1 driver Herbert, now an FIA steward, told CasinoHawks that he hopes common ground can be found if a similar incident happens.
“I hope that if Max swears in a press conference at the US Grand Prix, common sense prevails,” he said.
“There has to be an understanding that both sides need to work together.
“I know the FIA president is unhappy with foul language. There is an understanding among drivers that swearing at a press conference is not right.
“It is just something that built up from the president’s initial ‘rappers’ comment, which some found offensive to then Max being dragged before the stewards in Singapore.”
“We had a meeting with the drivers afterwards when at least one, who I won’t name, made clear that in his opinion, swearing was not acceptable.
“There are many youngsters around the world who love the sport and worship the drivers. Drivers have to understand that they are role models.
“We made the decision that there was a case to answer if you like. It is between Max and the FIA to agree what the sanction should be and what it would be.
“That part is out of our control.”
The topic has divided opinions, with McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella saying that F1 drivers have “responsibilities” to behave in media situations, but former Haas boss Günther Steiner said that the FIA made “a big story” out of the incident.
The risk of drivers receiving such penalties come as FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem opted to change the regulations to prevent drivers from swearing at race weekends.
Swearing comes under the broad term of “misconduct” in its International Sporting Code, with Verstappen deemed to have broken Article 12.2.1.k.
