A fine of PLN 40,000. the euro imposed on Tsunoda for insulting disabled people draws the line

Formula 1 RB driver Yuki Tsunoda was fined 40,000 euros, half of which was suspended, for using an insulting term related to a disability on the radio during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old was frustrated by the length of the pit lane queues and, as FIA stewards said, the fact that “another car entered the fast lane in front of him”.

He expressed his annoyance on the radio, saying, “these guys are fucked up.”

This led to him being summoned for a potential breach of Article 12.2.1 k of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code, which covers “improper conduct”.

FIA stewards, including three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert, found the “words used offensive and completely inappropriate” and therefore constituted a breach of the Code.

Tsunoda apologized and admitted that he was unaware of the connotations of the words he used in English, but admitted that this was not an excuse for his behavior.

This, and the fact that he made a public apology, resulted in half of the fine being suspended.

“During the interview, the driver was very apologetic and explained that because English was not his first language, he did not know the meaning of the words in English until the end of the session,” the stewards’ report said.

“He said he was horrified when he found out about it. He maintained that his understanding of these words was different, but admitted that this should not be considered an excuse for what he did.

“The judges appreciate the driver’s honesty, but emphasize that the words used are offensive and completely inappropriate.

“Using such words on a publicly accessible platform is tantamount to improper conduct under Article 20 of the International Sporting Code.

“Taking into account the circumstances, the judges ruled that a severe fine was necessary, but also took into account the driver’s sincere remorse and offer of a public apology, and for these reasons decided to suspend part of the fine imposed.”

The fine imposed on Tsunoda shows that from 2023 the FIA ​​is changing its position on punishing such behavior.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff and Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur were reprimanded last year for the language they used at a press conference ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix – but it should be noted that they did not use any slurs against disabled people and their offense was only for profanity.

Therefore, Tsunoda’s offence was much more serious and hence the higher fine.

Such a penalty not only serves as a punishment, but also sends a signal to all participants that the FIA ​​will punish such unacceptable insults in the future.