- Formula One celebrated its 75th birthday at the 2025 launch event in London
- Ramsay was present alongside 15,000 fans at the special event at the 02 Arena
- The chef commented on F1’s controversial ‘swearing rules’ being introduced
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay had his microphone cut after making a public objection to Formula One’s ‘swearing rules’ at the 75th anniversary event on Tuesday night.
This season drivers face possible one-month bans if they repeatedly swear or criticise the sport’s governing body, the FIA, under controversial rules to be introduced.
The move is prompted by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s determination to cut out bad language and assert his organisation’s primacy as the sport’s regulator.
Max Verstappen was the first notable victim of this clampdown after he swore at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix.
Ramsay, an avid fan of the sport and an even more avid fan of the use of an expletive or two, commented on the new measure at the special event at the 02 Arena to mark 75 years of F1.
And the chef couldn’t help but swear himself, in a move that led to his microphone being cut.
Gordon Ramsay’s microphone was cut while he shared his opinion on F1’s controversial ‘swearing rules’
The move is prompted by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s determination to cut out bad language
Max Verstappen was the first notable victim of this clampdown after he swore at last year’s Singapore Grand Prix
‘These athletes push themselves to the extreme, so sometimes when it comes out, let them be real, let it go. Come on,’ he told host Jack Whitehall.
‘They’re risking their life every time, traveling over 200mph per hour. So, if the s**t hits the fan.’
The new guidelines have caused a stir ahead of the new campaign, with neither the drivers nor the Formula One Group – who operate Formula One for owners Liberty Media – consulted about the ramping up of sanctions.
Under the new measures, a first offence would result in a €40,000 fine (£33,750), a second offence €80,000 and a suspended one-month ban.
A third offence would bring a €120,000 fine, a one-month ban and the deduction of championship points.
In addition to swearing, F1 personnel could be punished for causing moral injury or loss to the FIA; incitement to violence or hatred; political, religious or personal statements that do not align with FIA neutrality.
Failure to comply with FIA instructions at official ceremonies is also punishable.
Pre-season testing gets underway in Bahrain next week before the first race weekend of the campaign in Australia on March 14.
