Formula 1 drivers face the possibility of being hit with bans and points deductions under the new misconduct regulations set by Motorsport governing body, the FIA, Afrosport reports.
The FIA has laid out these new guidelines as regards to penalties for driver misconduct, which includes swearing ahead of the 2025 season.
Under the latest version of the International Sporting Code per Crash.net, misconduct is referred to any language or gesture that is considered offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive and might be perceived to be cause humiliation.
Drivers deemed to have violated the regulations will incur a first time fine of €40,000 while a second offence would result in a €80,000 fine as well as a suspended one-month suspension. A third offence would lead to a €120,000 fine, a one-month suspension, and a deduction of championship points.
Furthermore, failure to comply with the instructions of the FIA on the appointment and participation of personnel during official ceremonies at any race would invite a €60,000 fine for a first offence while a second offence would incur a €120,000 fine and suspension of access to Reserved Areas at any event. A third offence would lead to a €180,000 fine and a six-month race suspension imposed.
Swearing became a hot topic last season when Max Verstappen was punished for swearing in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver was ordered to complete some work of public interest as part of community service which did in Rwanda while in attendance for the FIA Awards where he collected his fourth consecutive world championship.
