F1 Drivers Face Heavy Penalties for Swearing and FIA Criticism
Formula 1 drivers competing in FIA championships now face significant penalties for misconduct, including swearing and criticism of the governing body. These new regulations, detailed in an appendix to the International Sporting Code, establish a three-tier penalty system.
Key Penalties for F1 Drivers:
- First offense: €40,000 fine
- Second offense: €80,000 fine and suspended one-month suspension
- Third offense: €120,000 fine, one-month suspension, and championship points deduction
Three F1 drivers on white couch
The regulations define misconduct as:
- Offensive, insulting, or abusive language (written or verbal)
- Inappropriate gestures or signs
- Physical assault
- Actions causing moral injury to the FIA, its members, or motor sport interests
This development follows controversy in 2024 when Max Verstappen faced sanctions for using an expletive during a Singapore press conference. The incident prompted the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) to issue an open letter requesting more respectful treatment from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The penalties are scaled according to championship level:
- Formula 1: 4x base fine
- Other FIA world championships: 3x base fine
- Regional championships: 2x base fine
Stewards maintain discretion to adjust penalties based on circumstances, considering both mitigating and aggravating factors. The FIA states these measures aim to enhance transparency and consistency in decision-making, aligning with similar rules in other major sports organizations like NFL, FIFA, and IOC.
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