Formula 1 drivers may face suspension from races or the loss of championship points if they engage in swearing or make political statements, according to newly introduced regulations by the FIA, the sport’s governing body. This move could exacerbate tensions between drivers and the FIA, following backlash last year when Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc received penalties for using inappropriate language during FIA news conferences.
In a statement released via email on Thursday, the FIA indicated that its intention is to “enhance transparency and consistency in decision-making.” These newly established rules, which were disclosed on Wednesday, categorize what the FIA terms “misconduct,” encompassing both the use of offensive language and physical aggression, as well as actions that may inflict “moral injury or loss” on the FIA and the broader motorsport community.
The penalties also extend to making political, religious, or personal statements that violate the FIA’s principle of neutrality, which requires prior written approval for such comments. The FIA’s guidelines serve as a framework for stewards regarding punishments and fines, setting the stage for penalties that begin at 40,000 euros (approximately $41,600) for a driver’s inaugural violation. For drivers in F1, fines are typically quadrupled from the common standard of 10,000 euros.
If the misconduct occurs a second time, the penalty escalates to a doubled fine, alongside the possibility of a one-month suspension. A third infraction within a two-year span could result in a hefty fine of 120,000 euros (around $125,000), a one-month ban, and forfeiture of an unspecified number of championship points.
In situations where political, religious, or personal expressions are involved, FIA regulations stipulate that stewards should require the offending individual to issue a “public apology and repudiation of comments.” When inquired about these guidelines, the FIA noted that other sports leagues, including the NFL and FIFA, have comparable regulations in place to safeguard their integrity, indicating that it is not uncommon for sports organizations to impose penalties for misconduct.
The governing body clarified that stewards will still have the ability to exercise discretion in administering penalties, taking into account any mitigating or aggravating factors present in each case. “This new appendix aims to offer clear guidance to stewards regarding the penalties associated with specific violations of the international sporting code,” the FIA stated. “By instituting a more structured approach, we hope to facilitate uniform and transparent penalties, thereby benefiting both the stewards and the drivers or competitors involved.”
