In January 2025, the FIA, which governs the Formula 1 World Championship, updated its misconduct guidelines to strictly regulate drivers' language and criticism of the organization. The new guidelines define misconduct as using "offensive, insulting, coarse, rude, or abusive language, gestures, or signs." It also includes any actions that could be interpreted as encouraging physical violence.
Radio communications between drivers and team staff during F1 races are often broadcast live, although explicit language, such as the F-word, is usually censored. Violating the new guidelines could lead to severe penalties, including fines ranging from €10,000 to €40,000, race suspensions, and point deductions in the championship standings.
In response, British linguist Dr. Kieran File has warned that banning F1 drivers from swearing could negatively affect their performance.
According to Dr. File, studies show that swearing is linked to brain regions responsible for processing emotions, detecting threats, and triggering survival responses. Research also indicates that swearing activates the "fight-or-flight" response, causing physiological changes such as an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and the release of adrenaline.
Dr. File argues that this instinctive reaction is crucial for F1 drivers, who must make split-second decisions at extreme speeds while staying highly alert. He suggests that restricting drivers' ability to express themselves under pressure could disrupt their natural coping mechanisms and impair performance.
Viewer Comments:
Do they really need to broadcast the team radio?
I had no idea that swearing could affect the body like that.
If it’s censored on the broadcast, does it really matter if they say it?
I understand why it’s banned, but the penalties seem a bit too harsh.
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