Karun Chandok reacts to F1 driver statement aimed at FIA President in ongoing swearing row

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Formula 1 drivers have written an open letter to motorsports governing body, the FIA, after recent controversy around punishments for ‘misconduct’ such as swearing in press conferences.

The Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) which is a union for all active F1 drivers, posted their statement on Instagram following recent talks about the actions and remarks of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Max Verstappen was ordered to complete a day of community service after using an expletive to describe his car during an FIA press conference in Singapore. This led to a protest from the Dutchman, whereby he deliberately gave short answers and held his own press conference outside of the official one televised by the FIA.

Charles Leclerc also fell foul of the misconduct rules and received a €10,000 (£8,200) fine (of which half is suspended pending any similar investigation) for accidentally using an expletive to describe avoiding a high-speed crash in Mexico.

Frustration is shared by each of the drivers in the statement and Karun Chandhok took to social media website X to offer his reaction to the GPDA statement.

Karun Chandhok says GPDA statement a ‘show of solidarity’ from F1 drivers

In addition to requesting that topics be addressed better and for more clarity on who benefits from the fines, the statement also calls on the FIA President to “consider his own tone and language” when talking to member drivers or about them in the media.

It comes after Ben Sulayem expressed frustration with drivers swearing over team radio and referred to the drivers as ‘rappers’ when they swear in an interview with Italian media. Lewis Hamilton said the remarks were “very stereotypical” and contained a “racial element.”

Ben Sulayem also confirmed that the FIA has requested FOM to censor any foul language before it is broadcast on the TV world feed.

Chandhok offered his response to the statement after it was released by the GPDA: “Strong show of solidarity from the F1 drivers.”

Max Verstappen explains why clampdown on swearing will not change anything

Verstappen gave his thoughts on whether he thinks any ban on swearing would be effective, highlighting how it is ‘pointless’ because kids will grow up and end up swearing anyway.

The FIA previously made changes to its International Sporting Code earlier in the year which could see drivers penalised for making statements to the media or other media that could provoke online abuse.

The governing body has launched a campaign to fight online abuse directed towards officials, after a study revealed that 75% of athletes are ‘bombarded’ with threats online.

The revision to the ISC ‘misconduct’ clause came after last year’s Abu Dhabi GP when Sergio Perez was penalised for comments directed towards officials after receiving a penalty for a collision with Lando Norris.