Charles Leclerc has been fined €10,000 for using inappropriate language during the post-race press conference in Mexico City.
The stewards received a report from the FIA Media Delegate and heard from the Ferrari driver, his team representative, and reviewed the written transcript of the press conference.
They found that Leclerc used coarse language in response to a question about a tense moment towards the end of the race. He immediately recognized his mistake and apologized for his words.
This type of language is not acceptable for broadcast and is deemed as “Misconduct” under the International Sporting Code. The Stewards acknowledged that the language was not directed at anyone specific and that Leclerc promptly apologized.
During the hearing, Leclerc expressed regret for his lapse in judgment and acknowledged his role as a representative of the sport. Despite his remorse, the Stewards determined that a penalty was necessary for the breach.
They issued a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended pending no further violations within 12 months. The FIA enforces a standard for language used in public forums like press conferences, especially by participants in World Championships who serve as role models both within and outside of the sport.
