Norris avoids fine for F-bomb at FIA Gala after Ben Sulayem's on-stage joke
New F1 champion Lando Norris won't be fined for swearing during his FIA Gala victory speech after President Mohammed Ben Sulayem joked about the incident on stage, contrasting with previous penalties for similar infractions and highlighting the FIA's discretionary approach during celebratory events.
Lando Norris escaped a potential €5,000 fine for swearing during his victory speech at the FIA Prize Gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, thanks to a lighthearted intervention by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The newly crowned World Champion accidentally dropped an F-bomb while reflecting on his and McLaren's season, but the moment was defused with humor on the podium.
Why it matters:
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the formal, regulated environment of FIA ceremonies and the raw, unfiltered emotions of drivers celebrating career-defining achievements. While the FIA has a history of penalizing profanity in official settings—as seen with Max Verstappen's community service in 2024—Ben Sulayem's handling of this case suggests a more pragmatic, human approach to enforcement, prioritizing the spirit of the celebratory moment over strict protocol.
The details:
- During his speech before receiving the World Championship trophy, Norris said, "We had our fair share of mistakes and f*** ups. Can I say that here? I’m okay? Oh, sorry. I got fined. I can pay it off now."
- Taking the stage afterward, FIA President Ben Sulayem addressed the slip directly: "First of all, when he said the ‘F’ [word], it was going to be a €5,000 fine."
- He then waived the fine with a joke, telling Norris, "But now I think you need it for your hair after I messed it!" referencing a playful moment where he tousled the driver's hair.
- This contrasts with the penalty given to Max Verstappen for swearing during an official FIA press conference at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, which resulted in mandatory community service.
The big picture:
The moment occurred against the backdrop of Ben Sulayem's recent re-election as FIA President, which was confirmed unopposed during the General Assembly in Tashkent. His tenure has been marked by efforts to engage more directly with drivers and teams, and this incident—choosing a jovial remark over a financial penalty—fits a pattern of attempting to soften the governing body's sometimes austere public image. It underscores the personal discretion that exists within the framework of the FIA's rules, especially during what is meant to be a night of celebration for the sport's champions.
What's next:
Norris heads into the off-season as the reigning champion, with this gala moment likely becoming a fond, humorous footnote in his title story. For the FIA, the precedent set is informal but clear: context matters. While drivers can likely expect continued scrutiny over language in formal competitive settings like press conferences, the governing body may show more leniency during victory celebrations, recognizing them as unique, emotionally charged events. The focus now shifts entirely to 2025, as Norris aims to defend his crown and the FIA continues to navigate its role as both regulator and steward of the sport's biggest moments.