Russell: FIA's new swearing rules go too far

Speaking on The Sports Agents podcast with Mark Chapman at the F1 season launch in London’s O2 Arena, Russell – who is also the Head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) – stated that some drivers feel their concerns are not always heard by the FIA.

Russell said: “It is difficult, and there's a lot at stake, to be honest. There's always a compromise. I'm sure there's a number of people who say we're not listened to at all, but I think we are listened to. But sometimes it's just not quite as simple as it probably meets the eye.”

Russell highlighted the impact of the new FIA swearing and misconduct rules, which could lead to points deductions or even month-long bans, cautioning that they risk restricting drivers' ability to express themselves.

He explained: “I mean, the sport’s in an amazing place at the moment, but there's still things behind the scenes that we're sort of treading on eggshells. I think we've got to ensure that the racing stays good, it stays competitive, the fans are enjoying what they're seeing, and then it's just not becoming too automated, and drivers still can show their personalities.”

Russell also pointed out that non-native English speakers could be disproportionately affected by the FIA’s stricter regulations on language use, he said: “There's a bit going on about swearing at the moment, which again, I'm not one who swears very often, but a lot of these drivers, English isn't their first language.

“So it's not easy for a Japanese driver or whatever, coming into the sport and doesn't know the potential offence he may be causing, but then to be punished so deeply, as I said, people will be treading on eggshells… It’s going too far," added Russell of the saga that is already sullying the 2025 F1 season and it has yet to begin!

Red Bull rival and four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, a victim of a fine and punishment last year, earlier on Tuesday shared his views on the swearing saga with reporters at F1 75 LIVE, saying: " I understand that you cannot always swear everywhere you go.

"I think we all understand that as racing drivers, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment or when you get interviewed, when you’re in your car or whatever, you’ve just had an adrenaline rush or whatever, sometimes things slip out a little bit.

“I think we all grew up, I mean probably most people grew up, even at school or playing football or sports in general, it happens that you use a swear word and I think we shouldn’t take it so seriously,” suggested Verstappen.