The letter, issued on behalf of president Jean Todt, stated it is “very
much our collective responsibility to make sure drivers are aware such
language has no place during media events”.
It added that it “shines an unwelcome beam of adverse publicity on their
teams and sponsors, the sport and FIA”.
Motor sport’s governing body said they are mindful of the fact that “in
the ‘heat of battle’, adrenaline, elation and disappointment make for a
dangerous and heady mix”.
But the letter also stated that “F1 drivers are not the only ones being
interviewed in such conditions: I think of boxers, rugby and football
players who are routinely interviewed live on television after a gruelling
sporting effort.
“They manage to avoid inappropriate language.”