Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc Faces FIA Scrutiny After Profane Slip in Mexico GP
The atmosphere was thick with tension as Charles Leclerc found himself in hot water after uttering a forbidden F-word during the post-race press conference at the Mexican Grand Prix. This slip has placed him in the crosshairs of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, which has recently emphasized maintaining a professional image on and off the track. Leclerc’s momentary lapse in decorum has drawn comparisons to reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, who faced similar consequences just weeks ago.
The FIA’s stance on profanity became clear after Verstappen’s own slip during a heated moment at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. Frustrated with his Red Bull RB20’s performance, Verstappen let loose with the same expletive and was subsequently penalized with a day of community service, along with a pointed reminder about the importance of decorum. In the weeks that followed, Verstappen opted for more subdued private briefings with the media during FIA events.
Now, with Leclerc’s inadvertent outburst, the FIA’s zero-tolerance policy is once again being tested. The incident occurred in the midst of a highly dramatic race. Running second, Leclerc pushed his Ferrari to the limit but lost control at the final corner, narrowly avoiding a crash. His impressive recovery enabled him to finish third, just ahead of a fast-approaching Lando Norris.
Speaking to the media afterward, Leclerc detailed the intense pressure he felt during those final moments. “I had to do everything perfectly,” he explained, recalling the need to fend off Norris’s relentless pursuit. “Lando was so quick. I felt like it was only a matter of laps, but I was determined to keep him behind me.” Recounting how he “lost the rear” of his Ferrari, Leclerc admitted that in that tense moment, the forbidden word slipped out. He quickly apologized, quipping, “I don’t want to join Max!”
Despite his apology, Leclerc now faces the potential consequences of Article 12.2.1k in the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which prohibits behavior considered detrimental to the image of motorsport. This code violation puts Leclerc at risk of sharing Verstappen’s fate, with the possibility of penalties looming.
As the FIA deliberates, motorsport fans worldwide are watching closely, aware that this decision could set a precedent. Leclerc’s unguarded moment, although quickly regretted, has sparked a broader conversation about the balance between drivers’ emotional expressions and the standards of professionalism expected by the FIA.
