F1 drivers better watch their words and behavior – the sport’s governing body isn’t playing around anymore. The FIA’s tough new penalty system has got everyone talking, and veteran driver-turned-commentator Martin Brundle thinks that’s not such a bad thing.
"We’re role models. F1 drivers are role models. You don’t need to gratuitously swear in a press conference," Brundle told Sky Sports.
He gets that emotions run high during races, though.
"In the heat of the moment, in the car, full of adrenaline, full of despair, happiness, whatever, I get it."
Brundle points to rugby as a perfect example of how athletes should behave. He loves how rugby players show respect to referees – something he thinks F1 could learn from.
The new rules came into focus after Max Verstappen called FIA stewards "stupid idiots" during the Abu Dhabi race. That’s exactly the kind of behavior that could now lead to serious penalties.
"Being unreasonable like that, I think there are degrees of this," Brundle explains. "How heavy-handed you want to be is a whole new story."
But at the end of the day, he’s on board with holding drivers to higher standards.
"I don’t mind there being some rules. Formula 1 drivers are great kids, and they should be role models. No, I’m calm with that."
The new system means drivers could face tough consequences for bad behavior, both on and off the track. It’s a big change for F1, but maybe one that’s been a long time coming.
