Formula One drivers face ban, loss of championship points for swearing or political statements under new ruling
Formula 1 drivers could be suspended from racing or lose championship points for swearing or making political statements under new rules from the series’ governing body, the FIA.
That could deepen a rift with the drivers, who criticised the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) last year after Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were punished for swearing in the Federation-organised news conferences.
These measures apply to “misconduct,” which is defined by the FIA as including both offensive language and physical assault, or for acts deemed to cause “moral injury or loss” to the Federation and auto racing in general.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Similar punishments also apply for “political, religious and personal statements or comments notably in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA” without written approval in advance.
The new regulations are labelled as a “guideline to assist stewards” on punishments and fines starting from 40,000 euros ($A66,000) for an F1 driver’s first offence. The standard fine is 10,000 euros ($A16,600) but punishments for F1 drivers are multiplied by four.
The suggested fine doubles for a second offence, along with a suspended one-month ban. A third offence within a two-year period carries a proposed fine of 120,000 euros ($A199,000) for an F1 driver, a one-month ban and the loss of an unspecified number of championship points.
In cases involving political, religious or personal statements, the FIA regulations also specify the stewards should demand a “public apology and repudiation of comments.”
