Lando Norris' risks punishment after x-rated reaction to Max Verstappen claim
The FIA has firm rules in place over the language used by drivers and 2024 world championship runner-up Lando Norris may well have inadvertendly put them to the test
The FIA has firm rules in place over the language used by drivers and 2024 world championship runner-up Lando Norris may well have inadvertendly put them to the testLando Norris and Max Verstappen battled it out for the F1 drivers' title in 2024 (
Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Lando Norris joked that a child who claimed Max Verstappen is faster than him "should be in bed" in an expletive-laden video.
Norris and Verstappen battled it out in a tight drivers' championship chase in 2024, with the Dutchman eventually coming out on top. McLaren driver Norris won three of the last 10 grands prix of the season, though, to keep his rival honest.
The 2025 season gets underway in March, with Verstappen gaining a new Red Bull team-mate in the form of Liam Lawson. Norris will partner Oscar Piastri once more, with McLaren defending their constructors' title.
Ahead of the new campaign, the barbs have begun to fly. Norris' complaints after hearing the youngster back Verstappen over him were very much tongue-in-cheek, but it will be interesting to see how the FIA reacts given the new rules on swearing.
Norris' reaction came on a Twitch stream, footage from which has been shared on TikTok. The child is asked who he considers the fastest F1 driver, and gives a defiant answer of "Max Verstappen".
"What the f*** did he just say?" is Norris' joking reply. "What the f*** did he just say? Get him off the microphone now. It's f***ing bedtime, it's bedtime. Why the f*** is he not in bed? That's bad parenting."
The comments might have been in jest, but Norris could still run the risk of punishment as the FIA doubles down on swearing rules. Verstappen himself was handed a community service-style penalty after swearing on mic last season, but things could be worse for his rival.
How do you feel about the swearing rules? Have your say in the comments section
Verstappen got in trouble for swearing during the 2024 season (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
Under the updated regulations, drivers will be found guilty of misconduct if they engage in "the general use of language that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive". The base level of punishment is an Ā£8,450 fine for a first offense, rising to Ā£16,900 for a second and Ā£25,350 for a third, but these numbers are quadrupled for those in F1.
Repeat offenders also face the prospect of suspensions or even points deductions. With Norris in contention for the 2024 drivers' title until the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November, there's every chance even a small points penalty could have huge consequences.
Back in November, the Grand Prix Drivers' Association put out a firm statement about rules around swearing. "As is the case with every sport, competitors must abide by the referee's decision, whether they like it or not, indeed whether they agree with it or not. That is how sport works," it began.
"With regards to swearing, there is a difference between swearing intended to insult others and more casual swearing, such as you might use to describe bad weather, or indeed an inanimate object such as a Formula 1 car, or a driving situation.
"We urge the FIA President [Mohammed ben Sulayem] to also consider his own tone and language when talking to our member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise."
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