The English F-word costs the 27-year-old Monegasque dearly. While world champion Max Verstappen had already been sentenced to community service by Red Bull for using the same expression, the regulators imposed a fine of 10,000 euros in the case of the Ferrari driver in São Paulo. Half were given probation for twelve months.
Role model function
The International Automobile Federation FIA must ensure that statements made in public – for example at press conferences – meet generally accepted standards for all listeners and broadcasts, the race stewards said in their justification. This applies in particular to comments from World Cup participants who serve as role models both inside and outside of sport.
The fact that Leclerc immediately apologized in the press conference after the Mexico race at least had a mitigating effect on the punishment. The race stewards made it clear that his violation did not reach the same extent as the most recent case – which obviously meant Verstappen’s faux pas.
Leclerc cursed after his third place in Mexico City when he spoke about a scene in which he braked in the final corner of the race and had to let Lando Norris overtake in the McLaren. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he immediately admitted – and added with a laugh, referring to Verstappen’s punishment in Singapore: “I don’t want to take part with Max.”
ePaper
**Interview with Sports Journalist Marco Rossi on Leclerc’s Recent Fine**
**Editor:** Welcome, Marco! It seems like Charles Leclerc has found himself in a bit of hot water after a slip of the tongue in Mexico. Can you give us a quick recap of what happened?
**Marco Rossi:** Absolutely! During the press conference following the race in Mexico City, Leclerc let slip a profanity when discussing a racing incident. As a result, he was fined €10,000 by the FIA, with half of that amount suspended for a year.
**Editor:** That’s quite a hefty fine for a single comment. How does this compare to what Max Verstappen faced for a similar situation?
**Marco Rossi:** It’s interesting, isn’t it? Verstappen received community service after using the same profanity earlier this season. In Leclerc’s case, the stewards took into account his immediate apology and the fact that his comment wasn’t as egregious as Verstappen’s. It seems like they wanted to send a message while also being somewhat lenient.
**Editor:** Speaking of messages, the FIA emphasized that drivers hold a role model status. How important is this in the context of such incidents?
**Marco Rossi:** Very important. The FIA wants to maintain standards of conduct for all World Championship participants. Drivers are watched by fans, especially young ones, so they have a responsibility to communicate responsibly, both in and out of the car. This serves as a reminder that athletes need to be mindful of their language.
**Editor:** Leclerc not only apologized but also seemed to take the situation lightly during the press conference. What does that say about him?
**Marco Rossi:** It indicates that while he understands the seriousness of the situation, he’s also a bit human about it. The humor he showed, referencing Verstappen’s punishment, shows he’s aware of the scrutiny but can handle the pressure. It’s a balancing act between being a competitive driver and a public figure.
**Editor:** So, do you think this incident will have long-term repercussions for Leclerc or his career?
**Marco Rossi:** Likely not. Given his history and reputation, one slip-up isn’t going to define him. If anything, it might serve as a lesson for himself and others in the sport to be more careful. As long as he continues performing well, this will fade into the background quickly.
**Editor:** Thanks for the insight, Marco! It will definitely be interesting to see how Leclerc bounces back from this.
