WRC Drivers Protest FIA Swearing Penalties

The FIA's recent crackdown on swearing in motorsport has sparked significant controversy and protest from World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers. Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux's €10,000 fine for swearing during a TV interview at Rally Sweden initiated a backlash, leading to a protest by drivers at the Safari Rally Kenya, where they refused to speak or only spoke in their native languages. This protest is organized by the World Rally Drivers' Alliance, a group formed in response to what drivers perceive as overly harsh penalties. Drivers argue that such regulations stifle the emotional expression inherent in the sport. The FIA maintains that the rules are meant to maintain a family-friendly image. However, drivers call for dialogue with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to find a compromise that balances sportsmanship with freedom of expression.