SAO PAOLO: Dutch teenager Max Verstappen believes that Formula One should not broadcast foul-mouthed radio messages like those that overshadowed the conclusion of last month’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of this weekend’s potentially-decisive Brazilian Grand Prix, the 19-year-old Red Bull racer said that if the language was inappropriate for the ears of a younger generation, it should not be heard.
As the sport’s youngest driver, Verstappen was selected for his views on the subject during a prolonged discussion of the profanity-littered outburst by four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari in the closing laps in Mexico.
“When you are in the heat of the moment and you have a radio available, you can say bad things,” said Verstappen.
“If you give a microphone to a footballer, imagine how many words are coming out there in a game — or in another sport, not just football.
“I think with the radio around you, it is pretty dangerous. I think that maybe they shouldn’t broadcast it — that is another solution.
“We are driving on the limit, in some good fights, and the adrenaline is going really high so I think maybe, for the future, if it is bad for the younger generation, then just don’t broadcast it.”
Charlie Whiting, the official Race Director for the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), said it was a question “that needs to be discussed.”
Making an unprecedented appearance alongside a group of six drivers at Thursday’s news conference, Briton Whiting also said that he had accepted a prompt post-race apology from Vettel in Mexico.
Vettel had directed part of his swearing rant at Whiting during his battle with Verstappen in the closing laps.
After the event, he sent letters of apology to Whiting and the FIA. The ruling body took no action.
“It is not the first time bad language has been used, of course,” said Whiting.
“The fact that it was directed at me was unfortunate and I think there were a number of mitigating circumstances that led up to Sebastian’s obvious frustration.
“But the fact that he sought me out very shortly after the race to apologize — for me, that was enough and I am prepared to forget and move on. And that is really what we should do...
“Things happens in the heat of the moment, and I think you’ve seen what the FIA’s position on this is and I personally feel that is enough.”
Vettel apologized again in front of a packed audience of reporters.
He said he regretted making the comments, but said he was also moving on.
“It has been said. I have no problem.. I am sorry for what I said. When you are racing and fighting, I think you can understand why I wasn’t so happy at that point.
“For sure, I regret what I said. Certainly, I didn’t mean it. It was a very clear thing for me to look for Charlie right afterwards. I am happy that Charlie accepted the apology and happy to move on.”
Speaking at a news conference ahead of this weekend’s potentially-decisive Brazilian Grand Prix, the 19-year-old Red Bull racer said that if the language was inappropriate for the ears of a younger generation, it should not be heard.
As the sport’s youngest driver, Verstappen was selected for his views on the subject during a prolonged discussion of the profanity-littered outburst by four-time champion German Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari in the closing laps in Mexico.
“When you are in the heat of the moment and you have a radio available, you can say bad things,” said Verstappen.
“If you give a microphone to a footballer, imagine how many words are coming out there in a game — or in another sport, not just football.
“I think with the radio around you, it is pretty dangerous. I think that maybe they shouldn’t broadcast it — that is another solution.
“We are driving on the limit, in some good fights, and the adrenaline is going really high so I think maybe, for the future, if it is bad for the younger generation, then just don’t broadcast it.”
Charlie Whiting, the official Race Director for the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), said it was a question “that needs to be discussed.”
Making an unprecedented appearance alongside a group of six drivers at Thursday’s news conference, Briton Whiting also said that he had accepted a prompt post-race apology from Vettel in Mexico.
Vettel had directed part of his swearing rant at Whiting during his battle with Verstappen in the closing laps.
After the event, he sent letters of apology to Whiting and the FIA. The ruling body took no action.
“It is not the first time bad language has been used, of course,” said Whiting.
“The fact that it was directed at me was unfortunate and I think there were a number of mitigating circumstances that led up to Sebastian’s obvious frustration.
“But the fact that he sought me out very shortly after the race to apologize — for me, that was enough and I am prepared to forget and move on. And that is really what we should do...
“Things happens in the heat of the moment, and I think you’ve seen what the FIA’s position on this is and I personally feel that is enough.”
Vettel apologized again in front of a packed audience of reporters.
He said he regretted making the comments, but said he was also moving on.
“It has been said. I have no problem.. I am sorry for what I said. When you are racing and fighting, I think you can understand why I wasn’t so happy at that point.
“For sure, I regret what I said. Certainly, I didn’t mean it. It was a very clear thing for me to look for Charlie right afterwards. I am happy that Charlie accepted the apology and happy to move on.”
