Formula One drivers could be suspended from races or lose championship points for swearing or making political statements, under new rules from the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
The new rules could deepen the conflict between drivers and Formula One management after drivers rebelled against penalties last season and criticised the work of FIA president Mohamed Ben Sulayem. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were fined for swearing at a press conference.
The new measures apply to misconduct that includes abusive language and physical assault or acts deemed to cause “moral harm or loss to the FIA and racing in general”.
Similar penalties will also apply to “political, religious and personal statements that are particularly contrary to the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA”, without prior written approval.
The new rules are described as guidelines to help stewards on penalties and fines, starting at 40,000 euros for a driver’s first offence. The standard fine is €10,000, but the fines for Formula One drivers are multiplied by four.
The proposed fine doubles for a second offence, along with a one-month suspended sentence. A third offence within two years carries a proposed fine of €120,000, a one-month suspension and the deduction of an unspecified number of championship points.
In cases of political, religious or personal statements, the FIA said stewards should demand a “public apology and retraction of the comments”, Beta writes.
