FIA Reduces Penalties for Foul Language in Motorsports
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced a significant reduction in penalties for the use of inappropriate language by drivers. This measure, which will take effect immediately, seeks to balance the application of the rules with the emotional reality of the competition.
The decision comes after a period of dialogue between the FIA and Formula 1 and rally competitors, who had expressed their concern about the strict regulations on the language used during the events.
As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions experienced during competition.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President
The maximum base penalty has been reduced from 10,000 euros to 5,000 euros. In addition, the stewards will have the power to completely suspend a penalty if it is the first offense of a driver or team. The stewards may differentiate between “controlled and uncontrolled environments”.
This flexibility will allow the commissioners to take into account the context in which the expressions occur, differentiating between situations such as press conferences and the heat of competition on the track.
In the case of abuse towards officers, it will now result in sporting sanctions instead of fines.
The chairman of the drivers’ committee, Ronan Morgan, highlighted the importance of the behavior of the drivers as role models for young fans, recognizing the difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference.
