Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur given formal warning by FIA for Las Vegas Grand Prix comments

At the Team Principals press conference ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix last week, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Frederic Vasseur, his Ferrari counterpart, wore their emotions on their sleeves. Vasseur, who had just seen one of his drivers collide with a loose manhole cover, displayed his frustration at the situation. As for Wolff, he not only interjected on Vasseur’s behalf, but also vented in response to questions about the Las Vegas Grand Prix itself.

Now both bosses have been issued a formal warning by the FIA.

Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, both Wolff and Vasseur were summoned to meet with race officials, regarding their comments at last week’s press conference. Race stewards noted that because of the unique schedule of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, such a meeting could not take place until today.

Following a meeting with both Vasseur and Wolff, both bosses were given a formal warning. Race stewards noted the “mitigating” circumstances regarding their comments — and their use of profanity — but outlined that both team bosses are seen as role models, particularly by younger fans, and that such language is not to be tolerated:

“...the FIA regards language of this type to be unacceptable moving forward, particularly when used by participants in the sport who have a high public profile and who are seen by many, especially younger, followers of the sport, as role models, and that in future the FIA will not tolerate the use of such language in FIA forums by any stakeholder...”

You can see the full decision for Wolff here:

And for Vasseur here:

Now the two bosses can focus on the task at hand.

Beating the other.

Because Mercedes and Ferrari are set to battle it out for second place in the Constructors’ Championship in the final race of the season.