F1 DRIVERS BEWARE! Swearing could now cost you big

January 22, 2025

Formula 1 drivers might want to think twice before letting their emotions get the best of them on or off the track. According to new FIA guidelines, drivers could face fines up to €80,000 and even risk losing championship points for swearing or engaging in other misconduct.

These updates reflect a stricter stance on behavior, expanding on FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s push for cleaner language last season.

What’s in the New FIA Guidelines

The FIA’s updated Sporting Code outlines hefty consequences under Article 12 for violations categorized as “misconduct.” Here’s what qualifies:

Offensive or abusive language: Any verbal, written, or gestural communication deemed offensive, insulting, or coarse.
Physical aggression: Actions such as elbowing, hitting, or any incitement to violence.
Moral harm or incitement: Comments that damage the FIA’s reputation or its values.

F1 drivers will feel the brunt of these penalties, as base fines are quadrupled for them. For example:

First offense: €10,000 (€40,000 for F1 drivers).
Second offense: €20,000 (€80,000 for F1 drivers) plus a suspended one-month ban.
Third offense: €30,000 (€120,000 for F1 drivers), a one-month ban, and a deduction of championship points.

Political, Religious, and Personal Statements

The FIA is also doubling down on neutrality. Drivers must avoid making unapproved political, religious, or personal statements. Violations can lead to steep fines, public apologies, and mandatory retractions. Similar penalties apply to drivers failing to comply with official ceremony instructions.

For instance:

First offense: €15,000.
Second offense: €30,000 and restricted access to key event areas.
Third offense: €45,000 and a six-month suspension from those areas.

Max Verstappen talks with Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, in parc ferme in Jeddah. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Other Notable FIA Additions

The updated Sporting Code introduces penalties for new infractions:

Environmental violations: Failure to adhere to the FIA’s environmental guidelines.
Protest limitations: Protests must now be submitted individually for each issue, and appeals against stewards’ decisions are inadmissible.

How Do Penalties Vary Across Series?

While F1 drivers face a fourfold fine multiplier, other FIA championships see smaller increases:

World Rally Championship (WRC) and World Endurance Championship (WEC): Triple the base fines.
Regional championships: Double the base fines.
National series: Only the base fines apply.

The FIA’s revamped code underscores its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and sustainability across motorsport. Drivers now face tougher scrutiny, with significant financial and competitive repercussions for stepping out of line. Whether these rules will help maintain decorum or stifle personality remains a hot topic for fans and teams alike.