New FIA rules: F1 drivers face points loss for swearing

New FIA rules expose F1 drivers to unprecedented conduct penalties, including €40,000 fines, suspensions, and potential championship point deductions.

New FIA rules: F1 drivers face points loss for swearing
FIA

Controversial FIA guidelines

The FIA unveils sweeping new disciplinary guidelines that could fundamentally reshape driver conduct both on and off the track.

Under controversial new regulations, drivers now face substantial financial penalties, potential suspensions, and even championship point deductions for what the governing body defines as 'misconduct'.

The financial and professional stakes

The FIA's updated sporting code, released on Wednesday, introduces a graduated penalty system that escalates dramatically with repeated infractions.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem-Pitinsider.com
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem

An initial offense of offensive language, inappropriate gestures, or controversial statements will trigger a base fine of €40,000 for Formula 1 drivers—a significant leap from previous enforcement approaches.

Subsequent violations could result in month-long suspensions and, most critically, potential championship point deductions.

Unprecedented linguistic policing

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem's longstanding campaign to professionalize driver communication takes concrete form in these guidelines.

Last season's controversies, including Max Verstappen's community service and Charles Leclerc's press conference slip-ups, now appear as precursors to this comprehensive regulatory framework.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen-Pitinsider.com
Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen

The regulations explicitly target "offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive" language across verbal, written, and gestural communication.

Political and personal statements under scrutiny

Beyond language, the new guidelines dramatically expand the FIA's oversight. Drivers are now required to maintain strict neutrality regarding political, religious, and personal statements, with violations potentially requiring public apologies and repudiations.

The regulations suggest a broader effort to control messaging and maintain a professional image for international motorsport.

Discretionary powers remain

Despite the stringent framework, the FIA has preserved stewards' discretionary powers. Penalties can be tailored based on "mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances", providing some flexibility in enforcement.

This nuanced approach suggests the regulations are more about establishing clear boundaries than implementing punitive measures.

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