Formula 1 drivers may see a shift in penalties for swearing, as suggested by the president of the FIA.
Loosening the Grip: Modifying FIA's Sanctions for Swearing and Criticism in Formula 1
The boss of Formula 1's top dog, the FIA, has hinted at revisions in the penalty system for swearing and criticism that have faced heavy flak from championship racers. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, via his Instagram post on Monday, mentioned that improvements to Appendix B, the document governing punishable offenses, could be underway due to constructive feedback from divers participating in FIA-governed events.
Appendix B outlines a spectrum of penalties, from physical assault to political statements, swearing, and remarks deemed detrimental to the FIA's moral standards. Last year, Ben Sulayem spearheaded an endeavor to clamp down on swearing, and the penalties have since been intensified for 2025, allowing for hefty fines and suspensions for persistent profanity.
However, this crackdown had its fair share of backlash, particularly when drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were penalized in the previous season. Leclerc was fined, and Verstappen was ordered to undertake community service. Drivers from the World Rally Championship even boycotted TV interviews last month in response to a fine imposed on one of them.
After the last F1 race in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen refused to discuss a penalty that cost him the lead, citing concerns that any criticism might invite penalties under FIA rules. "I'm fully aware that I can't use foul language here, but at the same time, you can't be critical either," he voiced his concerns.
A hint of leniency appeared when Carlos Sainz, Jr. escaped a fine for using an expletive during a press conference, as he also protested a fine for tardiness during the national anthem.
In his Instagram post, Ben Sulayem acknowledged, "Humans make the rules, and humans can improve the rules." He emphasized his commitment to the principle of continuous improvement and asserted that it lies at the heart of all their decisions at the FIA. While details of these potential changes remain to be revealed, it seems that the racing community’s dissatisfaction is heading towards a possible adjustment in the overbearing penalty system.
- Max Verstappen, a Formula 1 racer, protested against the FIA's punishments for swearing and criticism, citing an instance where a penalty cost him the lead in a race.
- In 2025, the FIA is expected to revise Appendix B, the document that outlines punishable offenses, due to constructive feedback from FIA-governed sports events participants.
- The FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, stated in an Instagram post that humans can improve the rules, suggesting possible changes to the current penalty system in sports.
- The world of Formula 1 racing is looking towards a potential adjustment in the overbearing penalty system, following controversies and backlash towards the FIA's current approaches to swearing and criticism.
- In addition to the criticism over swearing penalties, drivers from the World Rally Championship staged a protest in response to fines, refraining from TV interviews as a means of expression.
