FIA to reduce fines for drivers for profanity

      Before the start of the 2025 season, the FIA Sports Code was amended and significant new fines were introduced for drivers, as well as disqualifications and deductions of points from personal scoring for using profanity.

      These innovations caused such a negative reaction in the racing world that at the end of April, FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem announced plans to review new penalty clauses. Today, the FIA issued a statement announcing changes to the "Appendix B" of the International Sports Code and the reduction of fines.

      "The revision of Appendix B of the International Sports Code was carried out in collaboration between Ronan Morgan, President of the FIA Racing Committee, and Formula 1 stewards represented by Harry Connelly,– the FIA said in a statement. – Proposals from the FIA member clubs and representatives of the seven world championships held under the auspices of the FIA were also studied.

      The main changes in Appendix B are as follows:

      The base maximum fine has been reduced from 10,000 to 5,000 euros. This is a 50% reduction. However, for world championships in which multipliers were used, the decrease will be even more significant.;

      The stewards will have the opportunity to completely cancel the penalty for certain types of violations, provided that this is the first violation on the part of the rider or the team.;

      After the changes are approved by the World Council through electronic voting, the revised "Appendix B" will allow stewards to distinguish between "controlled" and "uncontrolled" conditions by distinguishing the language used in these conditions.

      "Controlled" conditions include situations such as press conferences, while "uncontrolled" conditions refer to spontaneous comments from riders or teams on the track or during a rally stage.;

      Mitigating circumstances will continue to be taken into account. In addition, stewards will receive additional guidance to encourage consistency and fairness for all parties in the application of Appendix B.;

      Abuses by officials will now result in sporting fines rather than financial ones, bringing motorsport into line with other major global sporting events.;

      Racial and discriminatory comments will continue to be severely suppressed.;

      The stewards will retain the decisive right to decide what punishment to impose in case of violation of the International Sports Code."

      Mohammed bin Sulayem, President of the FIA: "As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are encountered during competitions. I have conducted an extensive and collaborative review of the rules with the participation of representatives from all seven FIA World Championships, FIA member clubs and other organizations from the motorsport world.

      The improvements that the FIA announced today in "Appendix B" will allow us to continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motorsport, as well as provide stewards with effective guidelines for action against individuals who may harm the sport.

      The FIA will always strive to make motorsport accessible to our entire sports family."