P1racenews AI automatic summary:
George Russell has come to the support of F1 drivers displaying “raw emotion” after the swearing frenzy surrounding Max Verstappen but did admit steps could be taken to prevent inappropriate language in press conferences.
George Russell defended F1 drivers’ right to express themselves via team radio, amid the FIA’s plans to crack down on swearing. Russell, a director of the GPDA, noted the importance of avoiding bad language during press conferences but supported drivers’ emotional expression on the radio. The issue arose at the Singapore Grand Prix when Max Verstappen was penalized for swearing during a press conference. FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had raised concerns about inappropriate language in F1 broadcasts. Verstappen limited his press conference responses as part of his punishment, prompting Russell to advocate for a balance between emotional expression and maintaining professionalism in interviews. As the main driver representative for the GPDA, Russell emphasized the need to preserve drivers’ raw emotions on the radio while considering cleaner language for press conferences.
