Toto Wolff has found himself at odds with Max Verstappen after calling for even bigger sanctions on drivers who swear in the cockpit of their cars.
It’s an issue that has been debated by drivers and officials alike all year round, with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem having asked the former not to swear while behind the wheel.
Verstappen has been among those pushing back against the claims and even restricted his answers during a press conference ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this year.
But when asked to weigh in on the issue, Wolff had a different opinion, suggesting it could set a bad example for younger Formula One fans.
Speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Austrian stated: “I have a thing about the swearing. Like George (Russell) said, he has an eight-year-old nephew who go-karts and watches all of that.
“I have a similar seven-year-old that go-karts, that watches everything. It’s the first time a few months ago that he [Toto’s child] said, ‘What the f***’? And I said, ‘Where did you hear that from?’ He said, ‘From the drivers.'”
He added: “As a result, the Mercedes CEO has an opinion that is far different to many in the paddock regarding the swearing saga: “I have my conflicts with Mohammed [Ben Sulayem], but in that instance, the drivers, all drivers are role models and are on air.
“They are entitled, empowered, and it is agreed with many other things. If you translate, the word f*** in my language is pretty rude. I would never say that on the radio. And George and I and Lewis (Hamilton), we had these conversations.
“They know I don’t like it, so I’m perfectly fine, which we were able to really limit that thing. It was a handful of drivers, some native, some not, that come out with the things, and for me, I’d be happy to sanction that even more. Maybe you don’t share my opinion there.”
It’s likely to be an issue that rumbles on well into the new Formula One season, with the paddock seemingly split on whether harsher punishments for drivers swearing should be enforced.
In the here and now though, it’s on to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, which will bring the curtain down on the 2024 Formula One campaign.
