F1 drivers face tougher penalties for misconduct after FIA tightens rules

Formula One drivers face tougher fines or points deductions after the FIA introduced new guidelines to punish swearing and other sporting violations.

This move follows an initial tightening of rules in 2024 that had already been criticised by several drivers, notably four-time world champion Max Verstappen. However, the sport’s governing body has decided to go even further in its efforts to maintain decorum.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the FIA defined misconduct as “the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture, and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude, or abusive and might reasonably be expected or perceived to be coarse or rude or to cause offence, humiliation or to be inappropriate”. It also included physical altercations such as “assaulting (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.)” and “incitement to do any of the above”.

A scale of sanctions has been revealed, with fines ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 euros for a first offence, 20,000 to 30,000 euros for a repeat offence, and 30,000 to 45,000 euros for further offences. However, these amounts will be multiplied by four for Formula One drivers, by three for those competing in rally (WRC) or endurance (WEC), and by two for participants in regional championships.

Last season, Verstappen was ordered to do community service for swearing during a press conference, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fined 10,000 euros for a similar offence. Both sanctions were met with disapproval from drivers, who also criticized statements made by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.