F1 drivers set for race ban risk over FIA criticism
Formula 1 drivers will run a high risk of facing strict penalties if they are found making negative comments over FIA's methods of governing.
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Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Formula 1 and FIA have continued to work on bringing multiple changes to the sporting code for the 2025 season. The governing body had previously banned the use of swear words on team radio which was loosely implemented. As a result, the sport faced massive backlash as they now take stern steps to enforce the ban on swearing more seriously.
Max Verstappen‘s swearing saga over the Singapore GP, followed by Charles Leclerc’s financial fine for using swear words on team radio, began the whirlwind of issues. The FIA faced massive backlash for treating the drivers like kids and banning swearing. Hence, the governing body has issued a rule that will put drivers and even team principals at risk of facing race bans if they are found continuously ill-talking the FIA.
According to reports by the BBC, The FIA has implemented a new rule that will give all FIA license holders three strikes if they are found swearing or criticizing the governing body’s methods. The first strike will grant the drivers a fine of over $41k followed by a penalty of over $83k for the second offence. Subsequently, the third and final penalty will be over $124k and a potential one-month suspension from participating in racing alongside an alleged deduction in championship points.
Stewards gain more power to punish drivers during
Previously, stewards did not have much authority to grant race bans and other penalties to drivers for repeated offenses. However, the new rule change is set to allow the stewards to penalize the driver according to the rule book. An FIA spokesperson noted that the newly established framework enabled uniform and transparent penalties. Moreover, the new rule will allow the stewards to decide what penalty to enforce during a breach of sporting code.
By establishing a more structured framework, the FIA seeks to ensure that penalties are applied uniformly and transparently, benefiting both stewards and drivers/competitors. Stewards have the authority to decide what penalty to enforce in the event of a breach of the the international sporting code and/or the applicable FIA regulations.
An FIA Spokesperson told BBC.com
The FIA is yet to reveal any other details on the voting process for the final rule change for the drivers. Moreover, a majority of the people inside the governing body are also rumored to be against the shocking rule change. Apart from this, the GPDA is yet to formally respond and has denied to comment on it at the moment.
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Aditya Pandya
(1468 Articles Published)