Wolff makes shock admission amid Verstappen FIA…read more
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, has made an unexpected admission in the midst of the ongoing dispute between Formula 1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, and the FIA. The controversy stems from the FIA’s decision to penalize drivers for using foul language, which became a focal point during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix weekend. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem had announced that drivers would face penalties for swearing, prompting Verstappen to break the rule during a press conference. As a result, Verstappen was penalized by the FIA.
Following this, Verstappen refused to participate in official press conferences, instead speaking to the media outside the formal setting. The Dutch driver later fulfilled his punishment, which involved performing a community service task in Kigali, Rwanda, where he engaged with young members of the Rwanda Automobile Club. Despite the tension, the FIA’s stance has received unexpected support from an influential figure: Toto Wolff.
Wolff expressed his backing for the FIA’s efforts to curb foul language, citing the impact of such language on his own family. He shared a personal story about his seven-year-old son, who participates in go-karting, and how his son had recently used inappropriate language after hearing it from the drivers. “It is the first time, a few months ago, that he said, ‘what the f**k,’ and I said ‘where did you hear that from?’ He said from the drivers,” Wolff explained in an interview with Motorsport.com.
Wolff emphasized the responsibility of drivers as role models, particularly in public and media settings. He acknowledged that while he disagreed with some of the FIA’s other decisions, he supported their stance on swearing. “The drivers are on air, they are entitled, and they are empowered,” he said. “I disagree with many of the other things that he [Ben Sulayem] came up with, but on that one, I think if you translate ‘f***’ into your own language or my language, it is pretty rude. I would never say that on the radio.”
This statement from Wolff marks a rare moment of agreement between the Mercedes boss and the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, amid their ongoing conflicts. It also sheds light on the broader issue of the influence drivers have on young fans and the importance of maintaining professionalism both on and off the track.
