The FIA confirmed on Wednesday that it has revised Appendix B of its International Sporting Code, softening penalties for driver misconduct, including the use of offensive language.
The changes reduce fines, introduce suspended penalties for first-time offenders, and provide clearer guidelines for stewards.
The updates address widespread criticism from drivers and teams across multiple motorsport disciplines, aiming to balance sportsmanship with the emotional intensity of competition.
The revisions follow a tumultuous period sparked by the FIA’s January 2025 update to the sporting code, which introduced strict guidelines targeting "the general use of language (written or verbal), gesture and/or sign that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive," alongside assault or incitement against FIA officials.
The rules drew ire after incidents like Adrien Fourmaux’s fine for an expletive in a post-stage interview at Rally Sweden and Max Verstappen’s terse responses in FIA media sessions after being penalized for swearing at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
Confusion over inconsistent enforcement—such as unpunished expletives from Formula E’s Dan Ticktum in Jeddah—further fueled discontent.
Revised Penalties and New Guidelines
Under the updated Appendix B, the base fine for misconduct has been slashed from €10,000 to €5,000. For FIA world championships, where multipliers previously inflated penalties, the reductions are even more substantial, according to the FIA.
Stewards now have the authority to suspend penalties for first-time offenders and can consider mitigating circumstances, ensuring penalties reflect the context of each incident.
A key change is the distinction between "controlled" and "non-controlled" environments. Controlled settings, such as press conferences, remain subject to stricter oversight, while on-track comments—often made in the heat of competition—are less likely to face punishment.
This addresses drivers’ concerns about unclear boundaries, particularly in high-pressure situations. Additionally, abuse of FIA officials will now trigger sporting penalties, such as grid drops or disqualifications, rather than fines, emphasizing accountability.
Racial or discriminatory remarks, however, will continue to face severe consequences.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem framed the revisions as a collaborative effort informed by his own racing experience.
Sainz Sr: No conflict between FIA bid and son competing in F1"As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition," he said.
"I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA world championships, FIA member clubs and other motor sports organisations.
The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute.
“The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family."
Stewards’ Discretion and Motorsport’s Future
Formula One Stewards chair and World Motor Sport Council member, Garry Connelly, welcomed the changes, emphasizing the flexibility they afford in adjudicating incidents.
"The revised version will ensure that stewards have effective guidance in place to help them differentiate between on-and off-track issues," Connelly said.
"I am pleased that stewards will continue to maintain the full discretion to consider any mitigating factors to ensure that a penalty is applied fairly to a specific situation, in particular to take into account the circumstances of the driver concerned.
“These changes will ensure motorsport can be enjoyed by fans of all ages and will continue all our collective efforts to grow the sport globally."
The revisions signal the FIA’s attempt to address driver frustrations while maintaining its commitment to professionalism.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how stewards apply these new guidelines in the high-stakes world of global racing.
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