The FIA, the highest regulatory body of motorsports, has decided to apply a drastic change in its disciplinary rules for the 2025 seasonwith the aim of avoiding “verbal excesses” and bad behavior among pilots.
After a series of incidents that occurred during the last season, including some conflicts between the drivers and the FIA, such as the one carried out by Max Verstappenthe regulator has renewed its code of conduct and has prepared more severe sanctions for those drivers who violate the new guidelines, according to Auto Motor Sport.
The main change that the FIA will implement in 2025 is related to the language and attitudes of drivers both on and off the track. In accordance with Article 12 of the FIA International Sports Code, starting this season, expressions that include vulgar, insulting or rude language, whether written or verbal, will be severely punished..
This includes not only the racist or sexist commentsbut also any other expression that is considered rude, offensive or degrading. The definition of what is considered “offensive” will be broader, allowing FIA stewards to judge each situation with greater flexibility.
The regulations also extend these sanctions to gestures and signals, expanding the way in which pilots can be punished. Fines for drivers will be multiplied by four compared to other categories, meaning that a simple offense could cost up to 40,000 euros in the case of a first offense.
Max Verstappen, at a press conference in Singapore
Reuters
This amount could increase up to 120,000 euros in case of recidivismFurthermore, if a pilot commits three infractions of this type, he will face a one month suspension from all competitionsas well as a deduction of points in the championship standings.
These measures could have a significant impact on the drivers’ title aspirations, making these sanctions a key factor in the dynamics of the 2025 season.
Furthermore, the FIA has decided to no longer tolerate public criticism of its decisions. Drivers who make comments that are perceived as an attack on the FIA or its members, in any format, may also be sanctioned.
This includes criticism directed at the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayemor to any member of the organization. In fact, the article explicitly mentions that any statement that causes “moral damage” to the FIA or affects the integrity of the sport will be penalized.
Verstappen, in the spotlight
The Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappenwho has been known for his blunt and sometimes controversial comments, could be seen especially affected for these new sanctions.
The Dutch pilot has already been fined and forced to carry out community work in 2024 after using inappropriate language in an interview, and his attitude towards the FIA has at times been defiant. Many wonder if Verstappen and other drivers of the caliber of Lewis Hamilton either George Russell They will abide by these new rules without resistance.
On the other hand, some drivers, such as the aforementioned George Russell, have already expressed their disagreement with the way the FIA handles certain situations, and it would not be surprising to see an increase in tensions between drivers and the regulatory body during the 2025 season. .
The new FIA sanctions will undoubtedly affect the dynamics of the 2025 season. Although the main objective is to maintain respect and discipline in the competitions, there is also the risk of creating an atmosphere of tension between the drivers and the organizers.
Competitors’ freedom of expression could be compromised, and this could lead to controversy both on and off the slopes. In summary, the new measures adopted by the FIA represent a major change in the way misconduct will be managed in Formula 1.