Official: FIA Set to Ease Strict Rules on Driver Language Fines

The FIA is reviewing its tough driver language policy after backlash, with possible changes following talks across F1 and WRC paddocks.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has hinted that the controversial new guidelines introduced this year to regulate driver language and curb swearing could soon be revised.

Under the new “Appendix B” to the FIA International Sporting Code, drivers risk heavy fines, race suspensions, and even championship points deductions if they violate certain rules. The regulations are intended to help stewards judge cases where drivers cause “moral injury or loss to the FIA or its members” or engage in “misconduct.”

Max Verstappen recently suggested that these new rules were the reason he refused to comment after receiving a penalty at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Starting in 2025, drivers who break these rules face an escalating series of penalties. The first offense results in a fine, while second and third offenses over two years trigger larger fines and sporting penalties. For Formula 1 drivers, penalties are multiplied, meaning a first offense costs 40,000 euros, a second 80,000 euros plus a suspended one-month ban, and a third 120,000 euros plus a suspension and a points deduction.

In theory, a driver swearing three times during press conferences across two seasons could face a suspension, lose championship points, and be fined 120,000 euros.

Ben Sulayem and the FIA have emphasized that these guidelines are not about introducing new rules but about helping stewards enforce existing ones more transparently. They have also stressed that stewards still retain discretion.

However, the sudden introduction of Appendix B caught many drivers off guard, leading to backlash. In response, World Rally Championship drivers formed their own association, WoRDA, inspired by Formula 1’s Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, to push back against the new penalties.

In Formula 1, drivers discussed the matter at length with FIA representatives during the season opener in Australia. The outcome was a mutual understanding that infractions would be judged based on the setting. Radio communications during races would only be penalized if drivers used offensive language toward officials or engaged in discriminatory speech, while drivers would be expected to show more restraint during official FIA interviews and press conferences.

In WRC, a similar agreement was reached. Many have interpreted this as a softening of the FIA’s original hardline stance, recognizing that the initial rules were too harsh. This is notable given that last year, when asked about a GPDA letter criticizing the FIA’s approach to drivers, Ben Sulayem said it was “none of their business.”

The FIA insists that Appendix B was never intended to create a zero-tolerance policy with automatic harsh penalties.

On Monday evening, Ben Sulayem posted on Instagram that changes to Appendix B are now being considered. While no timeline was given, it is clear that discussions are underway and further updates are expected soon.

“Following constructive feedback from drivers across our seven FIA World Championships, I am considering improvements to Appendix B,” Ben Sulayem wrote.

“As a former rally driver, I understand better than most the pressures they face.”

“Appendix B is a vital part of the International Sporting Code and plays an essential role in keeping our sport accessible to everyone. Rules are made by people and people can always make them better.”

“This principle of continuous improvement is something I have always believed in and remains at the heart of everything we do at the FIA.”

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Official: FIA Set to Ease Strict Rules on Driver Language Fines Official: FIA Set to Ease Strict Rules on Driver Language Fines