In a significant turnaround, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has revised its stringent swearing rules for Formula One drivers following intense opposition from the sport’s stars. The decision marks a major shift in the FIA’s approach to regulating on-track language.
At the start of the year, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem rolled out a set of tough regulations. Under the original rules, motorsports’ biggest names faced hefty fines for swearing. A first offence would result in a €40,000 (£37,700) fine. For a second infraction, the fine would double. A third transgression carried even harsher consequences: a tripled financial penalty, a one-month ban, and the docking of championship points. These extreme measures immediately sparked widespread discontent among the drivers.
However, on Wednesday, the FIA made a substantial retreat from its hardline stance on bad language. The organization announced what it called “major improvements” to Appendix B, which details the penalties for swearing and inappropriate outbursts. The revised regulations significantly reduce the financial burden on drivers. Now, they will face fines of up to €5,000 (£4220), with the amount subject to mitigating circumstances. While the stewards still retain the authority to impose “more severe penalties” for “very serious offences”, the overall tone of the rules has softened considerably.
The Formula One’s Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) had been a vocal opponent of the strict rules. In a statement, the GPDA slammed the regulations and even advised the FIA president to “consider his own tone and language when talking about drivers”. The association pointed out the difference between swearing meant to insult and casual swearing, like comments about the weather or the car. They also emphasized that F1 drivers are adults who don’t need to be lectured through the media on trivial matters such as jewellery and underpants. Additionally, the GPDA has long argued that monetary fines are inappropriate for the sport and has been calling on the FIA to disclose how the fine money is allocated and spent.
The FIA’s revised approach also draws a clear distinction between “controlled” and “uncontrolled” environments. In controlled settings like press conferences, stricter standards will apply. But in the cockpit, an uncontrolled environment, drivers can expect more leniency. Nevertheless, severe punishments will still be in place for actions such as abusing officials or making political, religious, or personal statements that violate FIA neutrality.