Motorsport`s governing body, the FIA, has reduced the maximum penalties for drivers by 50 per cent. These changes also introduce a distinction between offences occurring on track and those happening off track.
Updated regulations concerning driver misconduct, including the use of foul language, were initially set to be implemented in the International Sporting Code for 2025 starting this January. These initial changes included harsher fines and potential suspensions or championship points deductions for repeated violations.
Both before and after these initial updates, drivers from Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship, both operating under the FIA`s authority, voiced considerable dissatisfaction with the severity of the proposed penalties. Much of this criticism was directed at FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The announcement from the FIA came after Ben Sulayem indicated last month that he was reviewing the rules following “constructive feedback” received from drivers.
Ben Sulayem commented on the revisions, stating, “As a former rally driver, I understand the range of emotions faced during competition. I`ve led an extensive review process with input from participants across all seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs, and other motorsport entities.”
He added that the announced improvements to Appendix B aim to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship in motorsport while providing stewards with effective guidance to address actions that could harm the sport`s reputation. Ben Sulayem reiterated the FIA`s ongoing commitment to ensuring motorsport is accessible to everyone within its community.
On Wednesday, the FIA released an updated version of `Appendix B`, which contains guidelines for stewards regarding penalties.
Key modifications include lowering the maximum base fine for driver misconduct, such as swearing, from €10,000 to €5,000. Stewards now also have the discretion to fully suspend a penalty for certain types of first-time offences by a driver or team.
Crucially, the updated rules enable stewards, who are responsible for enforcing regulations during race weekends, to differentiate between `controlled` and `uncontrolled` environments. This means drivers are significantly less likely to be penalized for spontaneous emotional reactions or swearing while actively competing, but they could still face penalties for using offensive language in formal settings like press conferences.
Furthermore, the maximum base penalty for more serious misconduct violations has also been reduced, dropping from €40,000 to €20,000.
The FIA explained that the amended Appendix B, approved by the World Motor Sport Council, acknowledges the difference between language used in spontaneous, `uncontrolled` situations, such as during a race or rally stage, and planned, `controlled` settings like press conferences.
Another significant change is that disrespect or abuse directed at officials will now primarily result in sporting penalties rather than financial fines. The FIA stated this aligns its practices with those of other major global sports organizations.
Driver offences of this nature will incur a minimum three-place grid penalty. If the offence is committed by a team principal or team member, both of the team`s cars will receive a three-place grid penalty. For such offences occurring in Sprint sessions, the penalty will be a less severe five-second time penalty.
This announcement follows reports suggesting that Ben Sulayem is proposing amendments to the FIA statutes that could potentially increase his control over the governing body.
Reports indicated that Ben Sulayem`s proposed revisions include moving up the deadline for candidates to gain approval to contest the upcoming FIA presidential elections in December, where he plans to seek a second term. These proposed alterations could also potentially grant Ben Sulayem the power to bar opposing candidates from running against him.
Last week, former World Rally champion Carlos Sainz expressed his interest in potentially running for the presidential position.
Since taking office in December 2021, Ben Sulayem`s tenure as FIA president has been marked by controversy.
There has been notable turnover in senior leadership roles within the organization. The recent resignation last month of Deputy President for Sport Robert Reid was particularly significant; he cited concerns regarding the direction of governance at the FIA under Ben Sulayem`s leadership.
