In January, the FIA introduced a new wave of penalties for disciplinary violations, extending beyond Formula 1 to other racing series. These updated new rules cover a broad range of infractions, from unsportsmanlike conduct to the use of profanity, particularly when directed at FIA officials. One rule stands out in particular: three instances of profanity can now lead to a one-month disqualification and a points deduction. This raises significant questions about enforcement, consistency, and the impact on the sport’s culture.
How Do the New Rules Work?
The FIA has now imposed strict financial penalties on drivers, team principals, and all FIA license holders for using profanity. According to BBC Sports, the fines are structured as follows:
- First offence: €40,000 fine
- Second offence: €80,000 fine and a one-month conditional suspension
- Third offence: €120,000 fine, a one-month disqualification, and a points deduction
These penalties are outlined in Appendix B of the Stewards’ penalty guidelines, yet they come with a crucial caveat:
“Stewards have the authority to decide what penalty to enforce in case of a breach of the FIA International Sporting Code (ISC) and/or the applicable FIA regulations. They retain the discretion to take into account any mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances as well as the nature and location of the event.”
This means that while the regulations appear rigid, their enforcement remains subject to interpretation. Depending on context, stewards can choose to reduce fines, waive points deductions, or enforce the full extent of the punishment.
A Reaction to Past Incidents?
Many believe these regulations stem from incidents in the 2024 season. Notably, during the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen was handed an unusual penalty – community service – for using an expletive at a press conference. In protest, the reigning world champion responded curtly to media questions:
Q: “What did you change overnight? Because it seems there’s been a big difference in performance lately.”
MV: “A lot.”
Q: “Can you elaborate on what you did?”
MV: “No, I might get fined or get an extra day [of community service], so…”
Q: “Well, are you confident, Max, with the race pace?”
MV: “Maybe.”
Later, Verstappen invited journalists to discuss matters privately: “I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the room.”
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Alex Wurz, a former Formula 1 driver and chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), criticized Verstappen’s penalty in an ORF interview:
The punishment is extraordinary… A driver has to be able to be himself. Formula 1 became popular because drivers were allowed to show their personalities. Language use is part of that. I’m not a fan of verbally attacking competitors, but if a driver rants about their car, that should be discussed with the team boss.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, offered a different perspective in an Autosport interview:
Emotions run high in the heat of the moment, but we must be careful with our conduct. Everything is now broadcast live, and we have a responsibility. Imagine watching with your children and hearing foul language. What message does that send?
Only weeks later, at the Mexican Grand Prix press conference, Charles Leclerc also used an expletive while describing a near miss. Realizing his mistake, he quickly backtracked: “Oh, sorry! Oh no, oh no! I don’t want to join Max [Verstappen]!” Despite his apology, the FIA issued a fine: €10,000, half of which was suspended on a 12-month probation.
The Cultural Dilemma: Where to Draw the Line?
The introduction of these fines raises an important cultural debate: should profanity be strictly policed in professional sports? Motorsport is an emotional, high-stakes environment, and moments of frustration are inevitable. Fans often appreciate the raw, unfiltered personalities of their favourite drivers. Yet, as the FIA argues, drivers are public figures responsible for maintaining professionalism.
The Drive to Survive Effect
The Netflix series Drive to Survive has significantly contributed to bringing Formula 1 to a new, younger audience. One of its key appeals is its portrayal of drivers as real people. The series showcases both their triumphs and frustrations, often through emotionally charged moments that include profanity.
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Some of the most memorable scenes in the series involve swearing. Who can forget the heated exchange between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner at a team principals’ meeting? Or Guenther Steiner’s infamous expletive-laden rants, which have since become viral memes?
Alex Wurz pointed out the hypocrisy in how swearing has been celebrated in Drive to Survive yet penalized on the track:
How many lifetime community services would Guenther Steiner have to serve for using the F-word? He was glorified for it. Netflix broadcasts this worldwide without issue. But now, suddenly, drivers are being fined?
This raises a significant question: will Drive to Survive be forced to censor explicit language moving forward? Will drivers be penalized for their words even when spoken in a documentary setting? Or will Netflix leverage this controversy to boost engagement?
The Future of Speech in F1
These penalties create a new challenge for drivers and team principals: navigating the fine line between authenticity and professionalism. Many will likely exercise caution in public statements with potential fines and suspensions looming. Yet Formula 1 thrives on emotion, drama, and rivalry—elements that make the sport compelling for millions of fans worldwide.
Time will tell whether the FIA and teams can find common ground. But one thing is clear: this debate is only just beginning.
