The FIA has announced an official reprimand following the emergence of a previously unbroadcasted team radio message from the Monaco Grand Prix — a moment that has caused outrage across social media and raised serious questions about driver conduct and race coverage transparency.
The controversy centers around Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, who was involved in a first-lap clash at Turn 8 (Portier) with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. While the FIA stewards took no immediate action during the race — allowing Antonelli to continue unpenalized and finish 18th — Bortoleto was left frustrated after hitting the wall and damaging his front wing, ultimately finishing 14th.
However, it was a shocking post-incident radio message from Bortoleto that has now triggered disciplinary action.
In audio that surfaced days after the race, Bortoleto can be heard saying:
“OK. I will put him in the wall next time.”
His race engineer responded swiftly:
“Gabi! Let’s focus on what we can control. Let’s maximise this scenario.”
Although the radio exchange was not aired during the live broadcast, fan-recorded footage and delayed transmissions prompted a wave of online backlash — with many calling for immediate FIA action.
Responding to the incident, the FIA released an official statement on Wednesday:
“Following a review of in-race radio transmissions from the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, the FIA has issued a formal reprimand to Gabriel Bortoleto for a violation of Article 12.2.1.f of the International Sporting Code — ‘any offensive or threatening language used in connection with a competition.’”
“The driver has been reminded of his responsibility to uphold the values of sportsmanship and safety at all times, on and off the track.”
Bortoleto about Antonelli: “I will put him in the wall next time”pic.twitter.com/9REx0tMAKm
— Holiness (@F1BigData) May 27, 2025
The FIA clarified that no grid penalty or licence points would be issued at this time but warned that similar behavior in the future could result in more severe consequences.
Speaking after the race, Bortoleto defended his position in the incident with Antonelli but stopped short of addressing the controversial comment:
“I was already committed to the corner. I would never expect someone to divebomb there. I just ended up hitting the wall to avoid contact,” he said. “It was a shame because we broke the front wing and lost five positions.”
The incident has reignited conversations about emotions in the cockpit and how much responsibility drivers must take for what they say — even in the heat of the moment. It has also raised calls for greater transparency in how team radio is selected for broadcast.
As Formula 1 shifts to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, Bortoleto will compete under the microscope — while the FIA continues to balance driver expression with the integrity and safety of the sport.
