Paris: Formula One's governing body, the FIA, has officially reduced penalties related to swearing by drivers, following widespread criticism from the F1 grid.
Ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the FIA announced a revision to its disciplinary measures, eliminating the threat of race bans and lowering the maximum base fine from €10,000 ($11,180) to €5,000.
The updated guidelines now distinguish between profanity used in "controlled" environments such as press conferences and "uncontrolled" settings, like spontaneous outbursts over team radio during a race.
This change, described by the FIA as a "major improvement" to Appendix B of the sporting code, aims to reflect the intense emotional and physical pressure driver's experience while competing.
The prior policy, which drew heavy criticism after four-time world champion Max Verstappen was penalized for swearing at a Singapore press event, prompted a unified response from drivers, including an open letter to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem urging the organization to “treat them like adults.”
Williams driver Carlos Sainz also voiced his opposition earlier this year, arguing that punishing radio outbursts was unreasonable given the adrenaline and stress drivers face mid-race.
The relaxed approach will be a key topic during Thursday’s pre-race press conferences at Imola, giving drivers their first chance to respond to the policy shift that many see as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the realities of high-stakes motorsport.
