The case of Sebastian Vettel's swearing, and the FIA's fairly gentle response to it, has highlighted the difference between industrial language that is part of any sportsperson's emotional reaction in the heat of battle and a blatant insult directed at an official. There is a distinct divide between the two and Vettel jumped across that line with both feet on Sunday.
He was understandably incensed by what turned out to be a breakdown in communications over whether or not Max Verstappen should allow the Ferrari through after the earlier overtaking incident. Being backed into the other Red Bull was clearly the final straw.
Vettel's tirade was also a public venting of frustration that has been building all season thanks to Ferrari's abysmal failure to give the German a car worthy of the podium, never mind the win everyone expected after the first race in Australia.
But none of that is an excuse for openly berating an official and adding insult to injury with the disrespectful choice of words. Equally unacceptable is the argument that this was a private conversation that FOM unfairly chose to broadcast.
Vettel is not alone in whingeing out loud in the knowledge that the Race Director is listening. In the light of fairly tedious races these days, we need these colourful interludes across the airwaves even if the aim of many complaints is simply to mark Charlie Whiting's card.
Vettel knew exactly what he was doing and should consider himself fortunate that Max Mosley is no longer President of the FIA since Mosley would have been less likely to adopt the moderate response of his successor. It may have been a heat of the moment outburst but that is the instigator of most instances of cutting invective that are regretted moments after the words have been spat in the direction of the perceived offender. Nonetheless, Vettel was explicit and public in his disrespect.
Comparisons have been drawn with football. Surprisingly, perhaps, swearing has never been a serious issue - at least with players. According to my former Observer colleague and experienced football writer, Paul Wilson, this has been accepted as part of the game - but with the exception of referees not being targeted for abuse. Wilson quotes a documentary about 20 years ago during which referee David Elleray was called a "f------ cheat" (in a game) by a player. Elleray objected to the cheat bit - but not the swearword.
Similar to drivers using the radio to question a move for the information of the team (and Whiting), the procedure in football is that only captains are supposed to talk to referees if a decision or some such is being queried. If foul or abusive language is used, they can be cautioned or sent off.
"It seems to be working quite well," says Wilson. "The players know their boundaries, and they understand that while general swearwords will not freak anyone out, they cannot harangue the referee or subject him to a tirade of personal abuse. I can't remember anyone serving a suspension for foul and abusive language. You might get booked or sent off, that's all."
During an Aviva Premiership match in 2013, Dylan Hartley, the captain of Northampton Saints rugby team, called the referee a "f------ cheat". Despite later claiming he was addressing another player, Hartley immediately received a red card.
Vettel did not go that far with his invective. But it was close. He can count himself lucky -- and he's bright enough to realize that.