The latest appendix to the FIA International Sporting Code puts drivers, especially F1 drivers, at risk of hefty fines and even penalty point deductions for “cheating” in future seasons.
Updated Appendix B of the FIA's International Sporting Code states that drivers face fines, bans from racing and even penalty point deductions for various acts, including 'cheating' as defined in the Sporting Code. Become. Potential penalties include being escalated based on series, with the heaviest fines being reserved for F1 drivers.
new Appendix Bthe driver says “[a]Any words, actions or sentences which cause mental injury or loss to the FIA, its bodies, its members, executive officers and more generally to the interests of motorsport and the values it upholds. ”The fine for a first offense is a fine of 10,000 euros. The penalty for a second violation is a fine of 20,000 euros and a one-month suspension. A third offense under the new Article 12.2.1.f will result in a fine of €30,000, a one-month suspension and a “deduction of Championship points”.
It is worth noting here that base fines are doubled as you move up the ranks in motorsport, with F1 drivers being assessed a 'multiple of 4' for each base fine. Therefore, the first offense under this article would result in a fine of €40,000, and the third offense would result in a fine of €120,000.
Under Article 12.2.1.l, drivers are now subject to the same three penalties for “misconduct” as defined in Article 20 of the ISC as follows:
“[t]is offensive, derogatory, crude, rude or abusive, or could reasonably be expected to be, or be perceived as such, to be crude or disrespectful, to cause offense, humiliation or to be inappropriate; Common use of certain language (written or oral), gestures and/or signs. ;Assault (elbowing, kicking, punching, punching, etc.); or incites anyone to do any of the above. ”
In addition, under Article 12.2.1.n, the driver must:[a]Public incitement to violence or hatred is prohibited and may result in the same penalties already outlined.
Under Article 12.2.1.0, the driver “[t]Political or religious activities that seriously violate the general principles of neutrality promoted by the FIA under the Statutes, unless approved in advance in writing by the FIA in the case of international competitions or the relevant ASN in the case of national competitions. the general creation and display of personal statements or comments; Competitions within the jurisdiction. '' Under this provision, first violations will result in a fine of 10,000 euros, plus a “public apology and refusal to comment.'' In some cases, fines may be suspended.
A second offense under this clause will result in a €20,000 fine, a public apology and refusal to comment, and a one-month suspension. A third offense will result in a fine of 30,000 euros, a public apology and refusal to comment, a one-month suspension and a deduction of championship points.
Please remember that a third offense under this section will result in a fine of €120,000, as F1 drivers are subject to four times the fine.
The final category of fraud is set out in Article 12.2.1.p and is defined as “.[f]Observe the FIA's instructions regarding the appointment and participation of persons in the official ceremonies of all competitions leading up to the FIA Championship. ” A first offense will result in a fine of 15,000 euros, a second offense will result in a fine of 30,000 euros plus suspension of access to the “event booking area for the next event.”
A third offense will result in a fine of €45,000, suspension of access to the 'reservation area' for six months and a further deduction of Championship points.
Again, these fines are quadrupled for F1 drivers.
Fines for cheating were a hot topic during the 2024 F1 season. Hiroki Tsunoda was fined 40,000 euros (half of which was suspended) for using a discriminatory slur against people with disabilities while speaking on the team radio. Charles Leclerc has been fined 10,000 euros (and suspended for half) for using abusive language during an FIA press conference during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
There was also controversy over Max Verstappen, who was ordered to serve as an official with the FIA in Rwanda after using abusive language at a pre-race press conference for the Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen remained curt at subsequent FIA press conferences, even holding an impromptu press conference for the assembled media away from the official FIA press conference.
In response to the incident, the Grand Prix Drivers Association sent a letter to the FIA asking the sport's governing body to treat grand prix drivers as “adults.” Including statements made in the media, SB NationAhead of the US Grand Prix in October, GPDA chief George Russell hinted that such a letter would be received.
“There's been a lot of talk among drivers about name-calling. It seems a little ridiculous that this has happened,” Russell began in October. “So at the moment I haven't talked to the FIA yet, but I hope to talk to them probably next week or in Mexico.
“But overall, we're all on the same page. Well, I think we'll probably read something formal from the drivers to you next week.”
Mr. Russell also previewed the content of today's letter.
“Generally speaking, we don't want to take away the heat and emotion of the moment that the drivers show during the race. I think when it comes to races, it's up to the broadcaster to broadcast or not. It's very difficult for some drivers. If you have a microphone, you're talking to your team during the battle,” Russell said.
“But equally, under these circumstances, perhaps we have an obligation to be conscious of our words.”
To date, there has been no response from current F1 drivers or the GPDA regarding these changes to the sporting regulations.
