Toto Wolff stands with FIA over latest crackdown on F1 drivers

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff saw FIA's stricter measures as a positive sign for Formula 1 despite a controversial 2024 standoff.

Toto Wolff stands with FIA over latest crackdown on F1 drivers

Toto Wolff and Mohammed Ben Sulayem (via GPFans)

The 2024 Formula 1 season was full of controversies, particularly between drivers and the FIA. The sports governing body has doubled down on its crackdown for the upcoming season. Now, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has expressed his support towards the FIA.

The latest rules dictate that F1 drivers can risk facing deletion of points or even a race ban for criticizing the FIA. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has stated that the sports governing body did not even inform drivers of this change for 2025.

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Toto Wolff admitted that everyone wants to see emotions from drivers during races, pointing out that there can be a few ways for that. However, the Austrian billionaire emphasized that all stakeholders have a responsibility towards spectators. He reckoned that in this case, the initiate taken by the FIA was positive if it can stop drivers from swearing.

I think we want to see emotions in the car, and there are ways of showing that or not. I think also we have a responsibility towards all the spectators… In that respect, I think any initiative is good, and if we stop some of the bad swearing, that’s positive.

Toto Wolff told Sky F1

FIA crackdown important for non-English audience

Wolff emphasized that the FIA ruling was crucial for audiences who do not have English as their native language. The Mercedes team boss claimed that such viewers don’t always understand how grave or nuanced some words are when they hear it from drivers on team radio during a live broadcast.

Toto Wolff (via planetf1)
Toto Wolff (via planetf1)

I believe particularly the non-native ones, the British, often don’t understand how grave or how nuanced the word can be.

Toto Wolff noted

The Austrian billionaire has put forth some valid arguments in favor of FIA’s stricter measures for 2025. Though, it is unlikely that his own driver, George Russell who leads GPDA will agree with his comments. F1 drivers are expected to discuss the situation in the coming weeks to prepare for the way forward.