FIA introduces new extreme penalties for drivers

      The FIA has drawn up new guidelines for stewards that could lead to Formula 1 drivers starting to receive significant fines, as well as disqualifications and points deductions from their personal standings. Such penalties are for "misconduct. "The new regulations give stewards the power to issue significant fines for a first offense, such as foul language or speaking out against FIA officials. The updated regulations set out new instructions for stewards in "Appendix B". Paragraph 12.2.1l states that "any misconduct" which includes "the use of language (written or spoken), gestures and/or signs that are offensive, hurtful, rude, inappropriate, or which could reasonably be perceived as rude or causing insult, humiliation" will be punishable by a base fine of €10,000 for a first offense.

      However, this amount is quadrupled for Formula 1 drivers, while drivers competing in other FIA World Championships will pay three times the base amount. A second offense carries a base fine of €20,000 "plus a one-month disqualification". For a third offense, the fine is €30,000 "plus disqualification for one month, plus deduction of points from the personal standings." Similarly, "words, actions or written communications that have caused moral damage or loss to the FIA" will be penalized. The same penalties apply to "the display of political, religious and personal statements or comments, especially in violation of the general principle of neutrality promoted by the FIA in accordance with the Statutes, unless previously approved in writing by the FIA for international competitions". Again, a one-month disqualification for the second offense and a points deduction for the third. All the while, the stewards "retain the discretion to take into account any mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances and the nature and location of the competition in order to adapt the penalty to the specific situation." This particular paragraph may be key in determining how strictly the new requirements will be enforced, which is of particular importance given the severity of the penalties stipulated for the second and third offenses, namely suspension from the event.