Gordon Ramsay had his microphone cut after protesting F1’s latest rule controversy at the 75th-anniversary event on Tuesday night.
This season’s drivers could face potential one-month bans if they repeatedly swear or criticise the sport’s governing body, the FIA, under contentious new rules.
The move stems from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s determined effort to eliminate bad language and reinforce his organisation’s authority as the sport’s regulator.
Max Verstappen was the first notable victim of this clampdown. He was caught expressing his frustration with his team’s car performance after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in an unfiltered moment.
Verstappen stated that his Red Bull car was ‘f***ed’, prompting the FIA, Formula One’s governing body, to label his language as ‘coarse’ and ‘rude.’
The FIA declared that the Dutchman’s words were ‘not considered suitable for broadcast’ and constituted ‘misconduct’ under the International Sporting Code.
However, it was acknowledged that his remarks were not directed at any individual or group.
Verstappen defended himself, asserting that the word he used was commonplace in speech as he learned it, especially since English is not his native language.
Yet, that explanation fell short of mitigating his punishment, with stewards emphasising the need for mindfulness when speaking publicly.
Celebrity chef Ramsay, a devoted fan of the sport and an even bigger enthusiast of expressive language, addressed the new measure at the special event at the O2 Arena.
He couldn’t help but let an expletive slip himself, prompting the swift cut of his microphone.
“These athletes push themselves to the extreme, so sometimes when it comes out, let them be real, let it go. Come on,” he told host Jack Whitehall.
“They’re risking their lives every time, travelling over 200 mph. So, if the s**t hits the fan.”
It wasn’t just Ramsay who was unconvinced by the rule change, as talkSPORT spoke to several F1 stars present at the event.
Haas’ Esteban Ocon remarked: “Sensitive topic, obviously I think there is a fine line between, of course, being polite in front of the camera.
“We are examples for a lot of people, but on the radio, I think we should be allowed to say what we want, and then they should broadcast it or not; it’s up to them to be able to beep it or change it.
“But yeah, when we have to say something to the team, we have to say it quickly, and sometimes things can get out of hand.
“So it is what it is. We are human at the end of the day.”
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: “You have two scenarios: in the heat of the moment, and I’ve just read Carlos Sainz’s comments, which I thought were very articulate.
“When you’re in this situation and you’re not in the heat of battle, I think it’s unnecessary for some of the stuff (language) we’ve heard.
“But when the helmet is on, there’s a lot of emotion and anger. We do have a delay button, so if we find some things inappropriate, we can just hit the bleep button.
“It’s pretty hard to control inside a race car; outside the race car, it’s an easy fix, and I’d like to see that happen inside the race car in the heat of the moment.
“I can only imagine what goes on on a football pitch or any other sport with a helmet on, and I don’t think we want to lose that passion, but with balance.”
Williams Team Principal, James Vowles, said: “When they’re out in the car, we are fortunate to have some of the best elite athletes in the world, performing feats that many others would get nowhere near and putting their lives on the line.
“You’ve seen some significant accidents to understand that. So the result of that is I think we need to have some level of understanding that anyone here who puts their life on the line would react differently.
“Outside of that, I do think we have a respect for our fan base that we need to make sure we adhere to. So I think there’s a balance to be struck, and I suspect that’s how you’ll see it all unfold.”
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said: “I think in the car, you say whatever comes into your head. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to open the radio all the time, but I think if we’re going to say what comes naturally, then outside of the car, it’s a fair expectation to be civil and use our words appropriately.
“But yeah, I mean, we’re athletes doing our thing with adrenaline running, so there’s only so much you can do to stop that.”
When asked which driver might be the first to stumble under the new rule, Piastri joked: “Not me.”
The new guidelines have sparked considerable conversation ahead of the upcoming season, especially since neither the drivers nor the Formula One Group—operating under the ownership of Liberty Media—were consulted about the tightening of sanctions.
Under the new measures, a first offence will land a driver with a €40,000 fine (£33,750); a second offence incurs an €80,000 fine, and a suspended one-month ban.
A third offence could lead to a €120,000 fine, a one-month ban, and the deduction of championship points.
Alongside swearing, F1 personnel may also face penalties for causing moral injury or loss to the FIA, incitement to violence or hatred, and political, religious, or personal statements that clash with FIA neutrality.
Noncompliance with FIA directives during official ceremonies will also attract punishment.
Pre-season testing kicks off in Bahrain next week, paving the way for the first race weekend of the season in Australia on March 14.
