Lando Norris was threatened with a fine after the new F1 champion dropped an F-bomb. The McLaren star made the slip as he collected his championship trophy, having secured the third place he needed at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend to clinch the title

Norris was handed the silverware at the annual end-of-season awards ceremony in Uzbekistan, which was hosted by world motorsport's governing body, the FIA. Norris was welcomed onto the stage by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who bizarrely ruffled the Briton's hair. Reflecting on a tough season during his acceptance speech, Norris paid tribute to his McLaren team, including his team-mate and title rival, Oscar Piastri. He then admitted: "We've had our fair share of mistakes and f**k ups."

He added nervously: "Can I say that here?" A smiling Ben Sulayem then stepped towards Norris and quipped, "5,000", referring to the penalty in euros dished out to drivers who swear. Norris said: "Sorry, I got fined!"

Ben Sulayem was presumably joking but the FIA chief has been eager to clamp down on fruity language, especially over team radio during races and official press conferences. That hasn't gone down well with drivers, who insist they cannot be expected to watch their words while driving under pressure at 200mph.

A €10,000 (£8,800) fine was initially introduced. However, the FIA's hardline stance on the issue has since softened, with the penalty being reduced to half that amount earlier this year.

The FIA said: "This is a reduction of 50 per cent. However, for FIA World Championships, where multipliers were involved, the reductions will be even more significant.

"Stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty for certain types of breach, provided it is the first offence by the driver or team."

Ben Sulayem added: "The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute."