F1 Drivers In Uproar After New Rules Set By FIA

The FIA's new rules imposing strict penalties for driver conduct and speech have sparked backlash and concerns about freedom of expression within the Formula 1 community.
Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen (20) Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell (63) and BWT Alpine driver Esteban Ocon (31) during media availabilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Haas F1 driver Kevin Magnussen (20) Mercedes AMG Petronas driver George Russell (63) and BWT Alpine driver Esteban Ocon (31) during media availabilities at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The FIA has introduced new rules aimed at penalizing verbal misconduct among drivers. The governing body, led by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has rolled out a stringent penalty system targeting offensive language and gestures, which has quickly become a hot topic among the 20 F1 drivers, who are reportedly furious about the changes.

The new regulations establish a clear definition of misconduct. This includes language or gestures deemed offensive, insulting, or inappropriate. If drivers are found to breach these rules, the consequences can be steep.

A first offense carries a €40,000 fine, while subsequent offenses bring heftier penalties. For instance, a second offense results in an €80,000 fine and a one-month ban, escalating to a €120,000 fine and possible points deduction for a third infraction. This structured penalty system has caused significant unrest among drivers, rumored to include four-time champion Max Verstappen contemplating their futures in the sport.

The updated rules do not stop at offensive language. They also encompass misconduct during ceremonial events, with fines beginning at €60,000 and potentially doubling upon repeated violations.

Moreover, actions that tarnish the FIA's reputation or incite violence or hatred now explicitly warrant penalties under the new code. Adding to the list of prohibitions, drivers are barred from making political, religious, or personal statements without the FIA's preliminary approval.

These amendments come after past incidents. In particular, language used during press conferences by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc sparked controversy during the 2024 season, leading to fines and mandated community service for the former.

The FIA, as the regulatory authority for several international racing series, has extended these rules beyond Formula 1. This means that drivers in the World Endurance and World Rally Championships among others will have similar but proportionally adjusted penalties introduced.

President Ben Sulayem's leadership has been pivotal in pushing these changes, intending to uphold the integrity and global image of motorsport. By defining standards for conduct and expression, the FIA aims to maintain an environment of respectability and professionalism within the sport.

However, these regulations have ignited backlash from drivers who view them as restrictions on free speech.

Some drivers believe these rules might be overly restrictive, possibly leading them to consider leaving the sport altogether.

2025 Formula One Season Schedule

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Published
Lydia Mee
LYDIA MEE

Lydia is the lead editor of F1 editorial. After following the sport for several years, she was finally able to attend the British Grand Prix in person in 2017. Since then, she's been addicted to not only the racing, but the atmosphere the fans bring to each event. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry.