Ex-Formula E champion SLAMS FIA for ‘harsh’ Max Verstappen swearing penalty
Formula E champion Lucas Di Grassi strongly disagreed with the FIA's move to punish Max Verstappen for his language.
Max Verstappen and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (images via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen’s swearing drama has gotten a lot of attention even beyond the sport. Former Formula E champion Lucas Di Grassi came out in support of Verstappen following his swearing controversy with the FIA.
Max Verstappen gained strong support from fellow drivers, teams, and key figures in the Formula 1 community. Lucas Di Grassi, the first-ever Formula E champion in 2016-17, highlighted that in Formula E, drivers discuss strategy and also swear in the heat of the moment.
Di Grassi criticized the punishment Verstappen received, calling it overly harsh. He strongly disagreed with the idea of penalizing drivers with community service for swearing and urged the stewards to reconsider, stating their decision was unjust.
I think it’s maybe a bit harsh giving like community service if you swear, it’s something that I don’t agree with, and I don’t think it’s a good thing to try to be so harsh.
Lucas Di Grassi told RacingNews365
Di Grassi pointed out that in football, players often fight and swear at each other in the heat of the moment. However, their outbursts go unnoticed because they aren’t mic’d up. He also noted that pop singers frequently use swear words and NSFW content in their lyrics and music videos, which are widely shared.
If you are in a football game [for example], the lyrics of some of the songs that we currently hear, like pop music, there is also a lot of swearing in this.
Lucas Di Grassi added
Formula E champion Lucas Di Grassi claims to be often quiet on team radio to avoid swearing
As a driver, moments of frustration can lead to outbursts directed at a situation or a problem. However, Lucas Di Grassi said that since he has two young kids, he tries to keep his swearing in check as much as possible.
The Brazilian explained that he remains very quiet on the radio during races. He believes that children should not be exposed to swear words because it can negatively affect their development.
I have two young kids, and I try to cut my swearing as much as I can on my own. Actually myself, I’m very quiet on the radio, very quiet.
Lucas Di Grassi expressed
Verstappen’s swearing incident prompted a debate in Formula 1 about ‘acceptable’ language and the pressure on drivers to maintain professionalism. The Dutchman has stated that many other F1 drivers were unhappy with the punishment he received.
Gaurang Kadam
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