F1 Pundit labels Max Verstappen’s swear ban fiasco as a ‘storm in a teacup’

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes Max Verstappen's swearing drama is just a minor issue that has been overly exaggerated.


F1 Pundit labels Max Verstappen’s swear ban fiasco as a ‘storm in a teacup’

Max Verstappen and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (images via IMAGO)

The issue of drivers swearing over the team radio gained attention after the Singapore GP. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced stricter rules regarding this behavior before the race. However, Max Verstappen dropped an F-bomb during a press conference to describe his car’s condition. As a result, he faced punishment that included community service, which caused him to remain silent during the subsequent press conferences.

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle shared his thoughts on the recent swearing controversy, expressing disappointment with everyone involved. He described the situation as “a storm in a teacup,” suggesting it is a minor issue that has been exaggerated.

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Brundle criticized the overly negative reaction to the swearing drama, calling it unnecessary. The 65-year-old preferred not to waste time and energy on matters he considered as trivial

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For me, it’s a storm in a teacup, Churlish all round, to be honest, and I don’t want to waste my heart beats too much talking about it too much.
Martin Brundle told Planetf1.com

Brundle acknowledged that everyone seemed aligned on the issue. He believed that drivers should unite through the GPDA, which represented their interests

We’re all aligned on this, actually. I think the drivers should get together through the GPDA.
Martin Brundle added

GPDA director Alexander Wurz also shared his opinion, stating that the punishment was too severe. He mentioned having a closed-door conversation with the FIA to resolve the issue that has created unnecessary drama in the sport.

Martin Brundle asserts swearing gratuitously is unnecessary for Formula 1 drivers amidst Max Verstappen drama

Martin Brundle asserted that Formula 1 drivers needed to be more responsible in what they say. He emphasized that drivers represented themselves, their sponsors, and their families, making it crucial for them to be mindful of their language.

Martin Brundle and Max Verstappen
Martin Brundle and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Brundle acknowledged that swearing can occur in the heat of the moment, as it does for many people. However, the 65-year-old stated that drivers must not swear gratuitously, which could harm their image and sports recognition.

I think they have a responsibility to control this swearing. Of course, in the heat of the moment, it happens, many of us swear like that, but gratuitous swearing, I don’t think is necessary, and it doesn’t look good for them.
Martin Brundle expressed

As a former F1 driver, Brundle stressed the need for professionalism, urging drivers to set a positive example for fans. He believed that the GPDA president, with the support of the drivers, would find solutions to this issue and discuss it with the FIA. With three teams competing for the championship, excitement is building within the fans. Hence, the focus should remain on racing as the season approaches its end.