F1

FIA steps up sanctions against rudeness in F1

The FIA's updated Sporting Code reveals new sanctioning guidelines that could lead to stricter penalties in Formula 1.

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The FIA has introduced new guidelines.
© Motors Inside / The FIA has introduced new guidelines.

The FIA has released a series of new guidelines regarding stewards' sanctions, which could result in fines or championship point deductions for F1 drivers in the event of swearing or other violations of the sporting code.

An updated version of the Sporting Code by the FIA was unveiled on Wednesday, including guidelines on violations committed under Article 12, particularly regarding misconduct.

Read also: George Russell: "Mohammed Ben Sulayem doit expliquer aux pilotes de F1 quels sont les objectifs de la FIA"

A clarification of fines

The regulatory body defines misconduct as: « The general use of offensive, insulting, rude, or abusive language (written or verbal), gestures, and/or signs, which could reasonably be perceived as rude, offensive, humiliating, or inappropriate. Any form of aggression (elbowing, kicking, punching, etc.). Inciting to commit the aforementioned acts. The guidelines also include base fines, which are quadrupled for F1 drivers. »

A first offense of misconduct results in a fine of 40,000 euros. A second offense increases the fine to 80,000 euros and includes a one-month suspended suspension. A third offense involves a fine of 120,000 euros, a one-month suspension, and a deduction of championship points.

Similar sanctions will be applied for: « Any word, act, or writing that has caused moral harm or damage to the interests of the FIA, its bodies, its members, or its leaders. Any public incitement to violence or hatred. »

The FIA also maintains fines for: « Political, religious, or personal statements in violation of the principle of neutrality upheld by the FIA, unless prior written permission is obtained. »

In these cases, the drivers will also have to issue a full public apology and retract their statements.

Harsher sanctions

They will apply for: « Non-compliance with FIA instructions regarding participation in official ceremonies as part of a competition counting for an FIA championship. »

Fines start at 15,000 euros, increase to 30,000 euros for a second offense, and include access suspensions to reserved areas (circuit, paddock, Parc Fermé, media zones) for the next event.

A third infraction results in a 45,000 euro fine and a six-month suspension from reserved areas. These fines are also quadrupled for F1 drivers, tripled for world championships like WRC or WEC, and doubled for regional FIA championships.

The International Sporting Code also includes clauses relating to « non-compliance with the FIA's environmental guidelines. »

The introduction of stricter rules on inadmissible protests requires an individual request for each disputed issue. « Any protest against a decision by the commissioners will now be considered inadmissible. »

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