The FIA wanted to clamp down on F1 drivers’ use of bad language on the radio and in live interviews. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc were punished for swearing last season, and the FIA are trying to eradicate it from the sport.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem had teased before the Miami GP that the regulations might be lessened. George Russell, head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), has been critical of these regulations and wanted “action” from the FIA. This helped result in a reduced penalty for drivers swearing.
Penalty halved for drivers who swear
The FIA has given the Imola GP race stewards a revised copy of the penalty guidelines. The penalty for swearing has been dramatically lessened, as the fine for swearing has plummeted. The base maximum fine is now €5,000 instead of €10,000, a fifty per cent reduction. The threat of a race ban for a second offence has been removed, although the FIA did state stronger penalties would be applied for “very serious offences.”
The new document from the FIA also stated that stewards differentiate between ‘controlled’ and ‘uncontrolled’ environments. This polices what drivers do in press conferences and forums, while drivers swearing under adrenaline or risk will get higher leniency.
| BREAKING:
The International Sporting code has been updated with regards to Appendix B, Driver conduct and swearing penalties!
Reduced fines, changes to the rules regarding suspensions of fines and wording changes for easier stewarding!#F1 #FIA #ImolaGP https://t.co/LuouHJebNl
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) May 14, 2025
Ronan Morgan, president of the FIA drivers’ committee, said: “Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are rightly seen as ambassadors for the wider world of motor sport. How they act really does matter.”
“But it is important to recognise that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference. Today’s changes further strengthen the FIA’s International Sporting Code, supporting our drivers by understanding the pressures they face during the heat of competition.”
F1 drivers had called for leniency on the punishment for swearing. George Russell has been a major critic of the regulation. He had rallied the troops and hoped the FIA would double down on the penalties. This will be seen as a victory for the GPDA.
Did the upcoming FIA presidential election influence the rule change?
The regulation change comes shortly after it was announced that Carlos Sainz Sn. was considering running against current FIA President Mohammed Ben Suyalem. Since this was reported, Ben Suyalem has already claimed he is in favour of removing the cost cap.
This could be yet another example of Ben Suyalem pandering to others to gain votes to stay in charge. Ben Sulayem will be looking for votes before the election in December this year, as his current regime has not been popular.
Due to the Emirati fearing losing the election, he is attempting to appease the big voice in F1. He doubled down in his attempt to cut swearing from the sport under pressure from the GPDA. Is this part of the plan to keep control of the FIA? Only time will tell.
