Charles Leclerc gets more lenient penalty than Max Verstappen for same F-word slip

Like Max Verstappen did at the Singapore Grand Prix in September, Charles Leclerc swore during a press conference after last week's Mexican Grand Prix and has been punished by the FIA

The FIA has explained why Charles Leclerc has been given a lighter punishment than Max Verstappen was after both used the F-word in press conferences.

Verstappen made waves at the Singapore Grand Prix in September by swearing in a press conference days after FIA chief Mohammed ben Sulayem publicly asked drivers to mind their language. He was given a community service-style punishment sparking a lengthy row between the Dutchman and the governing body.

So when Leclerc also used the F-word in a press conference after last Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix, a similar penalty was expected. After all, they said the same word and neither used it to describe someone or as an insult.

But Leclerc was given a more lenient punishment. The Ferrari star has been fined £8,500, half of which is suspended and will only need to be paid if he does it again in the next year.

Immediately after he swore, Leclerc apologised and was also spotted in conversation with FIA officials at the end of that press conference in which it is understood he again said sorry for what he had done. Explaining his punishment the stewards confirmed that was the difference between the two incidents.

They wrote: "It is the policy of the FIA to ensure that language used in its public forums, such as press conferences, meets generally accepted standards for all audiences and broadcasts. In particular this is true of statements made by participants in the world championships and thus being role models both inside and outside the sport.

"This is clear in the regulations of the FIA and has been reinforced through previous cases brought before the Stewards in FIA Formula One World Championship. The stewards reviewed the transcript of the post-race drivers' press conference in Mexico.

"Leclerc, the driver of car 16, used language in response to a somewhat leading question asking him 'what did you say to yourself' in relation to the significant moment towards the end of the race when Leclerc was fighting to control the car at the exit of the last corner. In response, Leclerc used coarse language being the accurate recollection of what he thought to himself at the time.

Leclerc immediately realised his error and apologised. Such language is not considered suitable for broadcast. This is 'misconduct' as defined in Article 20 of the International Sporting Code, and is a breach of Article 12.2.1.k. The Stewards noted that the language was not directed at anyone or any group and that Leclerc immediately apologised.

"During the hearing Leclerc expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgment and shared that he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport. The stewards considered the mitigating factor that Leclerc was immediately apologetic. The stewards, while noting that the driver's contrite behaviour conclude that a breach has occurred and a penalty is warranted. The stewards do not consider that this breach reached the same level as the most recent case."

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