F1
Could Lando Norris could be fined for bad language?
The McLaren-Mercedes driver let slip a swear word during his briefing with the press - something which the FIA has been clamping down on.
Lando Norris could be slapped with a fine for swearing swore during the press conference after the Qatar sprint race. A slight slip of the tongue could cost the McLaren-Mercedes driver as his F1 rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc can vouch for after they were both punished earlier this year.
Norris joined Oscar Piastri in answering questions from the media and was talking about the decision to allow his teammate to edge in front and take the sprint race - effectively paying him back for a favor in São Paulo.
However, after losing his train of thought, he muttered “sh**!” He instantly realized he’d put his foot in it, and sighed, “Oh, God...”
FIA get tough on bad language
Verstappen was ordered to “accomplish some work of public interest” after uttering the F word during his press conference ahead of September’s Singapore Grand Prix and Leclerc was hit with a €10,000 fine (€5,000 suspended) after the recent Mexico City Grand Prix for the same language.
In his favor, what Norris said is not considered a particularly strong swear word and was not intentionally directed at anybody but any use of coarse language is now being closely monitored by the FIA. That said, the Stewards could take action after reviewing the transcript of the press conference.
Under Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, the use of swear word and/or coarse language is considered misconduct and as such, a breach of Article 12.2.1.k.
Ahead of Sunday‘s race, Ferrari is on the back foot in Qatar, Norris (3rd) and Piastri (4th) have an advantage over Leclerc (5th) and Sainz (7th) on the grid. McLaren now have a 30-point lead and need to leave Losail with 44 points to secure the constructors’ title. A double would secure it.