Breaking: New FIA guidelines could prompt F1 driver ‘misconduct’ bans…More
New FIA guidelines could prompt F1 driver ‘misconduct’ bans
The FIA has introduced stricter penalty guidelines under Article 12 of its sporting code, outlining significant repercussions for misconduct or actions causing moral injury to the organization.
These include heavy fines, suspensions, and potential deductions of championship points for repeat offenses.
The updated regulations, released on Wednesday, clarify penalties for offenses such as inappropriate language, gestures, or signs deemed offensive, insulting, or coarse.
The measures are part of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s broader push for professionalism and neutrality in motorsport, a stance that has previously sparked controversy.
Last season, Ben Sulayem criticized drivers for swearing, drawing a comparison between motorsport and rap music.
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc faced repercussions for such behavior, though Leclerc’s immediate apology reduced his punishment to a fine.
In response to the stricter enforcement, drivers collectively issued a statement via the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, urging Ben Sulayem to consider his own tone when addressing drivers.
Despite this pushback, the FIA has doubled down, providing explicit penalties for violations under Article 12.
According to Article 12.2.1l, misconduct involving offensive language or gestures will result in fines starting at €10,000 for a first offense.
For Formula 1 drivers, the fines are quadrupled, while participants in other FIA World Championships face three times the base amount.
Repeat violations carry steeper consequences, with a second offense incurring a €20,000 fine and a one-month suspension.
A third offense escalates to a €30,000 fine, another one-month suspension, and championship points deduction.
Actions causing moral injury or harm to the FIA face similar penalties.
Additionally, the FIA has reinforced its stance on political, religious, and personal statements, which must align with the organization’s principle of neutrality.
Statements made without prior approval will be penalized with fines, public apologies, and potentially suspensions or points deductions for repeated violations.
The updated guidelines also grant stewards discretion to consider mitigating or aggravating circumstances, as well as the event’s nature and location, when determining penalties.
This flexibility allows the penalties to be tailored to specific situations.
Beyond Article 12, the FIA revised Article 13.7, which governs protests. The new language specifies that protests against decisions made by judges of fact in their official duties are “inadmissible.”
Similarly, protests against stewards’ decisions are also deemed inadmissible under the revised rules.
These updates reflect the FIA’s efforts to enhance discipline and uphold professional standards in motorsport.
While controversial, the organization aims to ensure a clear framework for handling misconduct, reinforcing its authority and commitment to neutrality.
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