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FIA considering “shut down” of team radio in F1 broadcasts

In recent weeks, the FIA has drawn attention for its increasingly stringent stance on driver behavior, especially regarding conduct that could be perceived as morally inappropriate. Starting with the 2025 season, the Federation intends to impose penalties, including the possibility of deducting Championship points, for drivers who repeatedly engage in behavior deemed to cause ‘moral injury’ to the FIA. Although the exact definition of ‘moral injury’ remains unclear, the approach marks a shift in the FIA’s policy on regulating driver conduct. This change has raised questions about how the organization defines acceptable behavior within the sport and how it will enforce such measures.

In a recent interview, FIA President Ben Sulayem disclosed that the Federation was considering several measures to curb instances of driver misconduct. One such proposal includes the possibility of halting the broadcast of team radio communications, particularly to address the issue of driver profanity. Historically, team radio messages, especially those involving heated moments, were aired with any offensive language censored. However, the topic of driver behavior, including the use of inappropriate language, was not a major point of focus until the previous season.

Before last season, there were few instances where a driver’s conduct, either during interviews or outside of racing, sparked significant controversy. While FOM (Formula 1 Management) ensured any swearing on team radio was bleeped out, the issue of driver behavior in general was not viewed as problematic. However, the situation changed dramatically after Max Verstappen had a highly publicized clash with the FIA. In one such incident, Verstappen was handed a penalty in the form of community service after he swore during an official press conference. This event led to significant tension, culminating in a statement from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). In the statement, drivers voiced their collective support for Verstappen, calling on President Ben Sulayem to reassess his own tone and language when addressing drivers.

This conflict between Verstappen and the FIA served to underline a growing divide between the drivers and the Federation, and the tensions have only escalated since. The GPDA’s statement highlighted the frustration within the F1 community, with drivers feeling that the FIA’s actions were unduly harsh. Even before the start of the 2025 season, the relationship between the drivers and the governing body appears to be under strain.

The FIA has since revised the sporting code to enable the introduction of stricter penalties, including the potential deduction of Championship points, for drivers who commit repeated offenses related to inappropriate behavior. While these new measures aim to foster a more respectful and disciplined environment, they also suggest that the FIA is taking a firmer stance on maintaining a particular image for the sport. With these evolving regulations, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the drivers and the FIA will continue to develop and how it will affect the future of For

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