The FIA has announced a 50% reduction in the maximum penalties that can be imposed on motorsport drivers. These changes are part of an update allowing officials to better distinguish between offenses committed on or off the track.
New rules regarding misconduct, including the use of inappropriate language, were initially introduced in January for the 2025 International Sporting Code. These earlier updates had led to increased potential fines, as well as the possibility of suspensions and championship points deductions for drivers who repeatedly broke the rules.
Before and after the January changes, drivers from Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship, both operating under the FIA, had voiced considerable opposition, much of it directed at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, regarding the perceived harshness of the new penalties.
The FIA`s recent announcement comes after Ben Sulayem stated last month he was reviewing the regulations based on “constructive feedback” received from drivers.
Ben Sulayem commented: “As a former rally driver, I know first-hand the range of emotions that are faced during competition. I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organisations.”
“The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute. The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family,” he added.
On Wednesday, the FIA released a revised version of `Appendix B`, which details the `stewards penalty guidelines` within the International Sporting Code.
A key change involves reducing the maximum base penalty for driver misconduct, including swearing, from €10,000 to €5,000. Additionally, stewards now have the option to fully suspend a penalty for certain types of violations, provided it`s the first offense by the driver or team.
Crucially, the officials responsible for enforcing the rules during a race weekend can now differentiate between controlled and non-controlled environments. This distinction means drivers are now significantly less likely to be penalized for swearing while actively competing. However, they could still face consequences for using offensive language in controlled settings like press conferences.
Furthermore, the base penalty for more serious misconduct offenses has also been reduced by half, dropping from €40,000 to €20,000.
The FIA explained: “Following approval via e-vote by the World Motor Sport Council, the amended Appendix B will allow stewards to differentiate between controlled and non-controlled environments, effectively recognising the difference between language used in `uncontrolled` and `controlled` environments.”
They clarified that “Controlled environments include settings such as press conferences, while uncontrolled environments refer to spontaneous comments made by drivers or teams when on track or during a rally stage.”
Another notable rule alteration is that abusing officials will now result in sporting penalties rather than just fines. The FIA sees this as aligning their approach with that of “other major global sports organisations.”
Driver offenses of this nature will incur a minimum three-place grid penalty. If a team principal or team member commits the offense, both of the team`s cars will receive a three-place grid penalty. For offenses occurring in Sprint sessions, the penalty will be less severe, typically a five-second time penalty.
Wednesday`s announcement also coincides with reports suggesting that Ben Sulayem is proposing changes to FIA statutes that could potentially expand his authority over the governing body.
Reports indicate Ben Sulayem is proposing revisions that would accelerate the deadline for candidates seeking approval to run in the upcoming FIA presidential elections in December, where he intends to seek a second term. These proposed changes could also potentially grant Ben Sulayem the power to disqualify opposing candidates.
Former World Rally champion Carlos Sainz recently expressed his interest in potentially running for the presidential position.
Ben Sulayem`s presidency of the FIA, which began in December 2021, has been marked by significant controversy.
There has been an unusually high rate of turnover in senior positions within the organization. The most recent high-profile departure was deputy president for sport Robert Reid last month, who resigned citing concerns about the direction of governance under Ben Sulayem`s leadership.
Marcus Prine