Motorsport governing body, the FIA, has reduced the maximum penalties for drivers swearing during race weekends by 50%, Afrosport reports.
Formula 1 and World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers have been at odds with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem over a crackdown on bad language during racing events.
Ben Sulayem last month said he was considering making adjustments to rules, and in the latest development, the FIA has reduced the base maximum penalty from 10,000 euros to 5,000 euros while stewards will have the option to fully suspend a penalty if it is the first offence by a driver or a team.
The stewards will also be given more discretion on deciding whether the incidents are in controlled environments such as press conferences or uncontrolled environments like the race track.
Speaking on the adjustments, Ben Sulayem, who is seeking re-election as president, said on the FIA website: “As a former rally driver, I know first-hand the range of emotions that are faced during competition.
“I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organisations.
“The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute.”
Following a comprehensive review commissioned by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA has today announced significant updates to Appendix B of the International Sporting Code.https://t.co/WP7jvzIZUC
— FIA (@fia) May 14, 2025
Reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen was punished for swearing in a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix last September while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was fined 10,000 euros for swearing at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
