Formula 1 drivers have called on the FIA to treat them as mature professionals following recent penalties against Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc for swearing. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) also criticized FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s “tone and language” regarding these issues.

In an open letter, the GPDA pointed out a distinction between swearing used casually to express frustration, such as about the weather or car issues, and swearing intended to insult others. The letter urged Ben Sulayem to consider his own language when addressing drivers, whether publicly or privately.

The GPDA emphasized that drivers are adults who shouldn’t need media reminders on minor issues like wearing jewelry or approved undergarments, a nod to past conflicts with Ben Sulayem’s enforcement of these rules.

The letter’s release follows Ben Sulayem’s comments in a *Autosport* interview before the Singapore Grand Prix, where he expressed distaste for broadcasting drivers’ swearing. In Singapore, Verstappen received a public service order from the FIA after using profanity to describe his car. Drivers were upset by Ben Sulayem’s remarks, as team radio swear words are bleeped for broadcasts, and they believe such expressions add a raw dimension to the sport, revealing their emotions under pressure.

Lewis Hamilton went further, accusing Ben Sulayem of using “stereotypical” language with racial undertones in the interview, where Ben Sulayem compared F1 to rap music to justify a distinction between the sport and popular culture.

The letter also raised concerns over fines as a disciplinary measure, asking for transparency on how fine proceeds are allocated. The GPDA argued that monetary fines create a negative image for the sport and called for transparency on where these funds go.

Signed by GPDA chairman Alex Wurz, and directors George Russell, Sebastian Vettel, and Anastasia Fowle, the letter expressed the drivers’ desire to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the FIA. The fact that the drivers felt compelled to release this letter publicly is a strong indication of their frustration with Ben Sulayem’s approach, underscoring their belief that their voices have not been respected on these matters. This statement marks their first collective public stance since 2017, when they advocated for more transparent decision-making to preserve the sport’s integrity.