FIA eases swearing penalties after pushback from F1 drivers

FIA Reduces Penalties for Swearing, Introduces Leniency in New Guidelines

In a move likely to ease tensions with Formula 1 and rally drivers, the FIA has announced a 50% reduction in maximum penalties for swearing, along with increased discretion for stewards to tailor punishments. The changes, effective immediately, come after significant backlash from competitors who felt the previous enforcement standards lacked nuance.

The base maximum fine for swearing has been halved, dropping from €10,000 ($11,214) to €5,000. Additionally, stewards will now have the authority to fully suspend penalties for first-time offenders and distinguish between “controlled and uncontrolled environments” to better contextualize instances of misconduct. Controlled environments, such as press conferences, will remain under stricter scrutiny than tracks or rally stages, which are now classified as uncontrolled zones.

"As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition," remarked FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has faced criticism over his recent crackdown on driver language. "I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motorsports organizations. The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motorsport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute."

Updates to Appendix B

Appendix B, which governs steward penalties, has been updated to reflect these changes. It provides guidelines for handling misconduct—including inappropriate language, gestures, or writings that might harm the FIA or the broader motorsport community. The revised rules also clarify that abuse of race officials will now incur sporting penalties instead of monetary fines.

The adjustments are intended to address concerns raised by drivers and teams, who argued that the high-pressure environment of races necessitates a nuanced understanding of heated moments. World championship rally drivers had already negotiated a breakthrough earlier this year, introducing the concept of controlled and uncontrolled zones during events—a compromise now recognized across all FIA-sanctioned championships.

“Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are rightly seen as ambassadors for the wider world of motorsport,” said Ronan Morgan, president of the drivers' committee. “How they act really does matter, but it is important to recognize that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference."

F1 stewards chair Garry Connelly echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of differentiating between on-track emotions and off-track professionalism.

High-Profile Controversies

Instances of driver fines last season served as a catalyst for the controversy surrounding the initial crackdown. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the reigning triple world champion, was fined for colorful language during a press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. Similarly, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was hit with a €10,000 penalty for swearing at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Balancing Accountability and Emotion

The FIA hopes that the reduced fines and clarification of contexts will strike a better balance between holding drivers accountable for their actions and understanding the intensity of emotions during competition.

With these changes, Ben Sulayem, who is up for re-election later this year, appears eager to address simmering disputes with the drivers while maintaining the organization’s emphasis on sportsmanship. Whether the updated guidelines will satisfy all parties remains to be seen, but for now, the FIA has taken a step toward compromise in the ever-dramatic world of motorsport.

Up Next