Alex Albon hits back at FIA’s increased crackdown on drivers in 2025

Alex Albon joined other drivers in criticizing the FIA's recent rule change that could ban them from speaking ill of the governing body.

Alex Albon hits back at FIA’s increased crackdown on drivers in 2025

Alex Albon (via Planetf1)

The FIA has continued to implement stricter measures to crack down on drivers starting in the 2025 season. The governing body recently introduced strict sanctions against drivers who criticize the sport, potentially imposing race bans on repeat offenders. Amidst the ongoing fiasco, Alex Albon took a jibe at the FIA’s untoward methods.

Formula 1 has never undergone such drastic measures against the free speech of the drivers. The FIA had previously loosely implemented a ban on swear words on team radio. Following Max Verstappen‘s swearing saga, the governing body has declared a clear rule banning the drivers criticizing the former.

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Alex Albon revealed that there were a lot of discussions about the new rule amongst the drivers. The 28-year-old clarified that people were still unsure of how to react to the situation. However, Albon made it very clear that the decision to ban abusive language wasn’t ‘right’.

There have definitely been discussions about it. It’s still ongoing about how we want to set out what we say around it. It is a delicate matter and, of course – do we think it’s right? Of course not.

Alex Albon told the BBC

Carlos Sainz sends a clear message to FIA over new rule change

Albon’s teammate for the 2025 season, Carlos Sainz had similar thoughts on the status quo. The Spaniard, who has been spotted speaking his mind on multiple occasions did not like the new rule. Sainz insisted that he did not agree with the FIA’s methods of cracking down on drivers. The 30-year-old noted that the governing body did not understand the pressure and adrenaline the drivers went through during races.

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon (via Formula 1)
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon (via Formula 1)

What we say on the [team] radio, I don’t agree with what is happening [talks of a clampdown]. I think you can not be too tough on these kinds of things, Because you cannot understand the pressure and adrenaline and the way we feel in the car when we open the radio.

Carlos Sainz told the BBC

The stewards have been given more power to enforce rules during races due to the controversies in the 2024 season. Moreover, the FIA is highly likely to appoint ‘multiple race directors’ during a single race to avoid further issues. Hence, time will tell if the newly implemented rules turn out in the favor of the drivers or not.