F1 Drivers Express Frustration Over Unclear FIA Rule Change.

Alex Wurz, the head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), has recently highlighted that Formula 1 drivers have been kept in the dark concerning the FIA’s recent modifications to steward penalty guidelines. Among these changes, a notable adjustment is the potential for drivers to lose championship points for using foul language.

As the FIA prepares for the 2025 season, it has made revisions to its international sporting code, particularly reflecting Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s effort to crack down on inappropriate language from drivers. The FIA’s president, whose remarks before the Singapore Grand Prix last year provoked discontent among drivers, continues to instigate tension with this latest policy change. The situation escalated after Max Verstappen received community service as punishment for swearing during a press conference at the Singapore GP, raising concerns among drivers regarding the new rules and potential repercussions.

The revised version of article 12.2.1 in Appendix B has drawn significant attention. This new framework outlines that any statements, actions, or written communications that inflict moral harm or damage to the FIA, its affiliates, its members, or its executive officers can result in severe penalties. The new regulations emphasize the importance of upholding the values of motorsport as represented by the FIA. Under this revised guideline, Formula 1 drivers face hefty financial penalties, starting with a fine of £33,800 (€40,000) for a first offence, which escalates to a staggering £101,400 (€120,000) for drivers who rack up three or more infractions.

In addition to the significant fines, the sanctions have a sporting aspect as well. Drivers who commit repeat offences risk facing a one-month suspension from racing, alongside the possibility of losing championship points. Despite these severe implications, Wurz expressed disappointment that no Formula 1 drivers were consulted during the process of these adjustments. He remarked, “No, there was no consultation,” emphasizing that the drivers learned about these changes through media reports rather than direct communication from the FIA.

Wurz acknowledged that the situation could benefit from improvements in collaborative dialogue between the FIA and drivers, pointing out that in other sports, such as the NFL in the United States, players are typically involved in decision-making processes through their unions. He raised the question of whether the FIA involved its own FIA drivers’ commission in these changes, indicating that he was unaware of that involvement. He concluded by expressing hope that the sport would not witness an influx of fines as a result of the new policies.

The relationship between drivers and the FIA is expected to be further strained by these changes and the evident lack of consultation. Ben Sulayem, at 63 years old, has been the target of public criticism from several prominent drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, over the past year. His controversial remarks and decisions have kept him in the media spotlight, but not necessarily in a favorable light regarding his interactions with the F1 community.

Overall, the new penalties and the manner in which they were enacted suggest ongoing tensions between drivers and the FIA, with Wurz’s remarks underscoring the need for improved communication and cooperation to foster a more positive environment within the sport. The potential for punishment over language—a fundamental part of human interaction—adds an additional layer of pressure on drivers, many of whom already navigate a highly competitive and stressful field. Given that the F1 community thrives on performance under pressure, introducing regulations around language could create unintended consequences and exacerbate existing strains in the relationship between the governing body and the athletes it oversees.