The updated supplement to the FIA International Sports Code puts drivers – especially Formula 1 drivers – at risk of significant fines and even penalty points deductions for “misconduct” next season.
In the updated Appendix B of the FIA International Sporting Code, drivers now face escalating fines, race bans, and even penalty points deductions for a variety of behaviour, including “misconduct” as defined in the Sporting Code. Potential penalties include an escalating range based on the series, with the maximum fines reserved for F1 drivers.
Under the new Appendix BDrivers will be penalized for[a]Any words, actions or writings that cause harm or moral loss to the FIA, its bodies, members or executive officers, and in general to the interests of motorsport and the values that the FIA stands for. The penalty for a first violation is a fine of 10,000 euros. The penalty for a second violation is a fine of €20,000 plus a one-month ban, which will be suspended. The third violation under the new Article 12.2.1.f is a fine of 30,000 euros, a one-month suspension, and a “deduction of championship points.”
We note here that basic fines double the higher the rating in motorsport, with Formula 1 drivers facing a “multiplier of 4” for each basic fine. Therefore, the first violation under this section will be punished with a fine of 40,000 euros, and the third violation with a fine of 120,000 euros.
Under Article 12.2.1.1, drivers now face the same three penalties for any “misconduct”, which is defined in Article 20 of the ICC as follows:
“[t]General use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or gesture that is offensive, insulting, rough, rude or offensive and which might reasonably be expected or perceived to be rough, rude, offending, humiliating or indecent; Assault (elbowing, kicking, punching, hitting, etc.); Or incitement to do any of the above.”
Drivers are also prohibited under Article 12.2.1.n from “[a]Public incitement to violence or hatred,” with the same potential penalties as have already been set.
Under Section 12.2.1.0, drivers are prohibited from “[t]The making and public display of political, religious or personal statements or comments that significantly violate the principle of general neutrality promoted by the FIA under its Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions, or by the relevant ASN for national competitions competitions within Its powers.” Under this section, a first such offense carries a fine of €10,000 plus “a public apology and refusal to comment.” The fine may be suspended in certain cases.
A second violation under this section carries a fine of €20,000 plus a public apology and refusal to comment, plus a one-month suspension, suspended. The third violation carries a fine of 30,000 euros, in addition to a public apology and refusal to comment, in addition to a one-month suspension and deduction of championship points.
Remember, Formula 1 drivers face fines multiplied by four, so a third offense under this section would result in a fine of €120,000.
The final category of misconduct is governed by Article 12.2.1.p, which is defined as “[f]“Failure to comply with the instructions of the International Automobile Federation regarding the appointment and participation of persons during official celebrations in any competition counted within the International Automobile Federation Championship.” A first violation carries a fine of €15,000, while a second violation carries a fine of €30,000 plus suspension of access to the “reserved area(s) of the event for the next event.”
A third offense carries a fine of €45,000 plus a suspension of access to the “reserved area(s)” for six months, as well as a deduction of tournament points.
Again, these fines are multiplied by four for Formula 1 drivers.
Misconduct fines have been a big talking point during the 2024 Formula 1 season. Yuki Tsunoda has been fined €40,000 – half of which was suspended – for using an insult while speaking on his team’s radio. Charles Leclerc has been fined €10,000, with half suspended, for swearing during the FIA’s press conference during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Then there was the saga involving Max Verstappen, who was ordered to perform FIA public service in Rwanda after being sworn in during the pre-race press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen was subsequently rude during several subsequent FIA press conferences, at one point holding an impromptu press conference with the assembled media away from the official FIA press conference.
The saga prompted a letter from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association to be sent to the FIA demanding that the sport’s governing body treat them like “adults”. Speaking to the media, incl SP NationBefore the US Grand Prix in October, GPDA Director George Russell indicated that such a letter would be forthcoming.
“We’ve talked a lot between drivers in terms of insults. It seems a bit ridiculous that it’s come to this,” Russell began in October. “I mean we haven’t talked to the FIA yet but we hope to Probably next week, maybe, in Mexico.
“But collectively, we’re all on the same page. I think, yeah, next week, maybe we’ll give you something official to read from the drivers.”
Russell even gave a preview of what today’s message might contain.
“In general, we don’t want to take away from the heat of the moment, the emotions that drivers show during the race. I think it’s up to the broadcaster when it comes to the race to choose whether they want to broadcast that or not. It’s very difficult for some drivers,” Russell said. “When you have a microphone, you’re talking to your team during the middle of battle.”
“But equally, if it’s in an environment like this, maybe it’s our duty to be mindful of our words.”
So far, there has been no response from any of the current Formula 1 drivers, or the GPDA, regarding these changes to the sporting code.
