The
FIA has warned drivers over their use of foul language following the podium celebrations in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
Both
Kimi Raikkonen and
Sebastian Vettel used questionable terms during their post-race interviews on the podium with former F1 racer David Coulthard.
In front of a live TV audience, race winner Raikkonen remarked that 'last time you guys was giving me sh*t because I didn't smile enough' while Vettel quipped that starting from the pitlane had given
Red Bull a chance to 'f*ck it up' that they didn't take.
According to
Reuters, the governing body has now moved to ensure there is no repeat by sending a letter to each team to remind drivers that 'such language has no place during media events' and that it 'shines an unwelcome beam of adverse publicity on their teams and sponsors, the sport and FIA'.
“F1 drivers are not the only ones being interviewed in such conditions,” the letter read. “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."
The podium interviews were introduced this season, with a number of former drivers have been given the role of putting questions to the top three drivers at each race over the course of the campaign.