A well-regarded former Formula 1 champion has diverged from the pack to express support for the FIA's widely debated 'swearing ban.'
The stringent new policy, which includes penalties that could extend to race suspensions and lost championship points, will apply across all FIA-sanctioned events, including the world rally series.
The world rally drivers' union has now publicly criticized the rules as "unrealistic" and "unacceptable," issuing a statement against what it called the "severity of the sanctions imposed for minor, isolated and unintentional language lapses," spearheaded by the polarizing FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Behind-the-scenes efforts, reportedly involving Liberty Media and F1 teams, are underway to soften the measures, potentially preserving drivers' freedom to vent emotions within the cockpit.
Yet Mika Hakkinen, a two-time F1 world champion, stands firm in favor of the language crackdown.
"Even if you can swear in ski jumping, skiing, football and basketball, that doesn't mean you can do it in Formula 1," he told Ilta Sanomat newspaper.
"I think F1 should be an example in every way."
At 56, Hakkinen acknowledges the drivers' frustration but urges consideration for viewers tuning in from home.
"I would be very surprised if, let's say a family with children is sitting down at dinner and their kids are constantly swearing, that the parents are simply encouraging them 'yes, curse more!'"
The Finn insists that F1 drivers bear a duty as prominent public figures.
"I refuse to believe that parents would teach their children to swear," Hakkinen continued. "Of course, if someone hits their thumb with a hammer, I understand that at that point someone might let out a few of the devil's words."
He concedes that he, too, resorted to profanity during challenging moments in his own F1 tenure.
"But I don't think it's terribly difficult to follow rules like this," said Hakkinen. "Swearing doesn't make you a tough guy or girl. If and when drivers are role models for young people, wouldn't it be nicer to move forward with the right vocabulary?"
