LONDON — Formula 1 competitors have expressed their discontent with the president of the FIA, the sport’s governing organization, as a dispute concerning the use of profanity in press conferences intensifies.

After notable drivers, including reigning champion Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, faced penalties for using bad language, the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) issued a statement suggesting that FIA President Mohamed Ben Sulayem should reflect on his own manner of speaking.

The GPDA stated, “When discussing swearing, it is important to differentiate between language that is meant to offend and more casual expressions, like those used to describe adverse weather conditions or perhaps a Formula 1 car or a challenging driving scenario.” They further emphasized the need for Ben Sulayem to reassess his approach when addressing drivers, insisting that they be treated as adults who do not require guidance on trivial matters such as jewelry or undergarments through media channels.

Verstappen was mandated to participate in a “public interest” activity during the Singapore Grand Prix in September after he referred to his Red Bull vehicle using an expletive during a press event. This incident came right after Ben Sulayem expressed concerns over the increasing frequency of swearing in F1. In response to his penalty, Verstappen opted for brief and vague replies during his subsequent FIA press engagement.

In a similar vein, Leclerc was sanctioned by officials at the Brazilian Grand Prix last week for comments made during the preceding race in Mexico. The GPDA is seeking clearer communication from the FIA and Ben Sulayem regarding the allocation of funds generated from driver fines.

Ben Sulayem’s perspective on swearing has faced backlash before. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time champion, indicated in September that there was a “racial implication” in Ben Sulayem’s attempt to compare F1 with rap music while explaining the FIA’s stance against profanity.

The governing body had also previously attempted a ban on jewelry, which led to Hamilton attending a race adorned with multiple necklaces, watches, and rings as a form of protest. Additionally, drivers have been reminded to wear approved fire-resistant undergarments.

The next Formula 1 event is scheduled to take place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 23.