The FIA is set to crack down even harder on ‘misconduct’, including foul language. The governing body announced this on Wednesday through new penalty guidelines for stewards ahead of the 2025 season. From March onwards, repeat offenders risk suspensions and point deductions for the world championship.
The FIA faced multiple controversies in 2024 due to their stance on drivers’ use of foul language. For instance, Max Verstappen clashed with the governing body after the Dutchman used the word ‘fucked’ during the FIA press conference in Singapore. Charles Leclerc also received a fine for his colourful language during a press conference in Mexico.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, the drivers’ union, defended the drivers and formally requested FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to “consider his own tone and language”. However, the FIA is now increasing the penalties for ‘misconduct’, including foul language.
Stricter Penalties
Article twelve of the penalty guidelines for stewards states that ‘any misconduct’, including “the general use of (written or verbal) language, gestures and/or signs that are offensive, hurtful or coarse and which can reasonably be expected or perceived to be coarse or cause offense, humiliation or impropriety”, is punishable by a fine of 10,000 euros.
Repetition of this ‘misconduct’ results in a fine of 20,000 euros for the driver, plus a one-month suspension. A third offense incurs a fine of 30,000 euros, plus a one-month suspension and points deduction in the world championship. Words or actions that cause moral damage to the FIA itself are punished in the same way. Also, political, religious or personal statements that could harm the neutrality principle of the FIA face the same penalties.
The stewards are free to take into account “mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances”.
